Soft Maple (Curly/Tiger Maple)
Acer rubrum or Acer saccharinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Strong curly or 'tiger' figure with horizontal chatoyance; grain is generally straight but waves periodically to create the fiddleback effect.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish brown, while sapwood is a pale off-white to yellowish cream. This sample shows typical pale sapwood colors with minor gray/blue fungal staining.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very low resistance to rot and decay. Common for indoor use only. Highly susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar backs/necks), fine furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot (Premium for figure)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern kiln-dried rough-sawn lumber, likely cut within the last 1-3 years based on lack of heavy oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but the curly figure is prone to grain tearout during planing and jointing. Sharp tools and light passes are required.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'chatoyance' where the light reflects differently depending on the viewing angle; virtually no scent; high contrast when stained.
Finish Recommendations
Dyes are recommended to 'pop' the figure, followed by clear coats of lacquer, polyurethane, or oil-and-wax finishes.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive horizontal curly figure combined with the light color and diffused porous structure visible in the rough texture are classic indicators of Soft Maple.