Curly Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Heavy curly figure (tiger stripe) with wavy grain across the width; primarily straight-grained longitudinal fibers with strong horizontal compression figure; flat-sawn orientation
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown sapwood; heartwood is darker reddish brown. High natural luster and chatoyance due to figure. Tends to yellow or amber significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to rot and insect attack; restricted to interior use.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar backs/necks), fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, turned objects, and specialty veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/planed rough stock; likely under 1 year since surfacing based on light color and lack of deep oxidation or patina.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though figured areas are highly prone to grain tearout during planing and jointing. Sharp tools and light cuts are required. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features 'fiddleback' or curly figure; exhibits high chatoyance (optical shimmering). Hard maple has high density and excellent acoustic properties. Dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oils or thin film finishes like shellac and lacquer highlight the curly figure (pop the grain). Gel stains are recommended to avoid blotching, or dyes to enhance depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive tight horizontal curl associated with Acer saccharum, combined with the pale color and closed-pore structure, is diagnostic for Hard Maple.