Silver Maple (Soft Maple)
Acer saccharinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; the log shows a relatively uniform, fine texture with distinct annual rings visible on the cross-section. It can occasionally exhibit curly or quilted figure in older trees.
Color Description
Sapwood is creamy white to off-white, while heartwood is light reddish-brown. This sample shows significant graying and weathering due to environmental exposure, with some darkening (oxidation) visible in the exposed heartwood areas.
Hardness Rating
700 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in contact with the ground or exposed to moisture without treatment.
Common Uses
Paper (pulpwood), crates, pallets, musical instruments, veneer, inexpensive furniture, and firewood.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.00 - $4.00 per board foot (lumber grade); as firewood/logs, it has low utility value.
Wood Age Estimate
The log itself appears to be from a branch or small tree roughly 15-25 years old based on ring count. The felled sample shows 6-12 months of weathering based on bark detachment and surface graying.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. Often considered a weed tree in urban environments due to fast growth.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It turns, glues, and finishes well, though it can be prone to burning if router bits are not sharp or moving quickly.
Notable Features
Fast-growing species with relatively brittle wood compared to Hard Maple. It lacks a distinct scent. The bark on the adjacent logs is shaggy and deep-furrowed, typical of mature Silver Maple.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Because of its light color, a clear film-forming finish like polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to prevent further graying.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the characteristic shaggy bark on larger adjacent logs, the creamy color of the freshly broken fibers, and the specific ring structure visible on the cut end.