Red Maple
Acer rubrum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform but can be wavy; fine, even texture with occasional curly figure and distinct growth rings
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish brown; sapwood is a pale off-white to yellowish-cream. It has low to medium luster and will darken/yellow slightly with age
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; poor resistance to decay and insect attack without treatment
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boxes/crates, pallets, musical instruments, turned objects, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut (green) log with live bark and lichens, estimated tree age 15-25 years based on branch diameter
Sustainability Status
Abundant; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools; turns, glues, and finishes well, though it can burn easily with high-speed cutters
Notable Features
Often referred to as "Soft Maple" commercially; sap can be used for maple syrup; wood is odorless and generally non-toxic
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well; a sanding sealer is recommended to prevent blotchiness when staining
Identification Confidence
High; the smooth gray bark with light-colored lichen patches and the pale, diffuse-porous exposed wood are characteristic of Acer rubrum