Silver Maple (Soft Maple)
Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 700 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- 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.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
700 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
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.
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.
Common Uses
Paper (pulpwood), crates, pallets, musical instruments, veneer, inexpensive furniture, and firewood.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
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.
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.
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.
