Soft Maple (Likely Red Maple or Silver Maple) — Acer rubrum or Acer saccharinum

Soft Maple (Likely Red Maple or Silver Maple)

Acer rubrum or Acer saccharinum · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America
Hardness
950 lbf - Medium
Durability
Non-durable, with poor resistance to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture.

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Grain Pattern

Straight to slightly irregular grain with a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face, accompanied by some minor knot clusters.

Color & Appearance

Pale creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with subtle color variation. Low natural luster, tending to yellow slightly over time with age and light exposure.

Hardness (Janka)

950 lbf - Medium

Durability & Decay Resistance

Non-durable, with poor resistance to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

$3.00 to $5.00 per board foot

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recently milled, estimated between 1 to 5 years old based on clean edges and minimal oxidation.

Common Uses

Furniture, cabinetry, interior millwork, turning, boxes, crates, and general utility woodworking.

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America

Workability

Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes, turns, and bores well, though prone to burning if fed too slowly during routing or sawing.

Finish Recommendations

Takes stains, dyes, glues, and clear finishes (lacquer, polyurethane, water-based finishes) exceptionally well. Pre-stain conditioner recommended for even coloration.

Notable Features

Handwritten label "maple?" visible on the surface. Fine texture, odorless when dry, and lacks the pronounced heavy figure of Hard (Sugar) Maple.

Learn more about Soft Maple (Likely Red Maple or Silver Maple) in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 22, 2026