Most likely soft maple, probably Silver Maple; alternatives include Red Maple or poplar. — Acer saccharinum (probable); Acer rubrum or Liriodendron tulipifera are alternatives.

Most likely soft maple, probably Silver Maple; alternatives include Red Maple or poplar.

Acer saccharinum (probable); Acer rubrum or Liriodendron tulipifera are alternatives. · Hardwood (deciduous).

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood (deciduous).
Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes, Mississippi Valley, and northeastern United States.
Hardness
Silver Maple: approximately 700 lbf Janka—Soft. Species-level confirmation is not possible from this image.
Durability
Slightly Durable; generally limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering.

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Grain Pattern

Predominantly straight, fine-textured grain with broad, subtle growth bands; appears flat-sawn, without distinctive figure.

Color & Appearance

Very pale cream to light tan, with slightly darker gray-brown areas; modest natural luster and little visible heartwood contrast. It may yellow mildly with age and light.

Hardness (Janka)

Silver Maple: approximately 700 lbf Janka—Soft. Species-level confirmation is not possible from this image.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Slightly Durable; generally limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

About $2–$5 per board foot for ordinary clear soft maple; figured or exceptionally wide stock may cost more.

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

Wood Age Estimate
The board appears freshly machined or lightly weathered; no reliable age estimate can be made from visible evidence.

Common Uses

Furniture parts, pallets, boxes, cabinetry, turning, interior trim, and general utility lumber.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes, Mississippi Valley, and northeastern United States.

Workability

Generally easy to cut, plane, sand, glue, and fasten, though soft maple can fuzz, dent, or show tearout near irregular grain.

Finish Recommendations

Sand evenly through 180–220 grit; use conditioner or washcoat before stain to reduce blotching. Clear lacquer, shellac, oil, or polyurethane are suitable.

Notable Features

Lightweight, pale, diffuse-porous hardwood with subtle growth-ring contrast; the pictured surface shows no diagnostic figure or end grain.

Learn more about Most likely soft maple, probably Silver Maple; alternatives include Red Maple or poplar. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 10, 2026

Encyclopedia

Learn about Most Likely Soft Maple, Probably Silver Maple; Alternatives Include Red Maple Or Poplar. in the encyclopedia

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