Silver Maple (Soft Maple)
Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 700 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to both fungal decay and insect attack if not sealed or kept in a dry environment.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight with some slight waving and areas of spalting (dark fungal lines). Flat-sawn with live edges showing typical ring patterns for the species.
Color & Appearance
Sapwood is a pale cream to nearly white; heartwood is a light grayish-brown. Low natural luster. Shows minor grayish oxidation and dark streaks indicative of early-stage spalting.
Hardness (Janka)
700 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to both fungal decay and insect attack if not sealed or kept in a dry environment.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for rough live-edge slabs, depending on local demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Fresh-cut to early seasoned (0-6 months since milling) based on the presence of green moss/bark and lack of deep UV graying.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Common Uses
Live-edge slabs for furniture, shelving, crates, boxes, pallets, turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central and Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well. Tends to burn easily with high-speed cutters or dull blades due to sugar content.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based polyurethane or lacquer to enhance the pale color. Requires careful sanding to remove planer marks as it fuzzy-grains easily.
Notable Features
Often develops spalting (black zone lines) which is highly decorative. No characteristic odor. High moisture content when freshly felled.
