Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be wavy or interlocked; lacks the complex figuring of hard maple but occasionally displays curly or burl figure. Fine, even texture.
Color Description
Sapwood is very wide and ranges from nearly white to off-white; heartwood is light to medium brown, sometimes with a grayish or reddish cast. Lenses of color variation are common.
Hardness Rating
700 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in contact with the ground or moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, paper (pulpwood), crates, pallets, musical instruments, turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Living specimen: Estimated between 40 to 60 years based on trunk diameter and bark fissure depth.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though its lower density can lead to fuzzy surfaces if tools are not sharp. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often referred to as Soft Maple in the lumber trade; known for rapid growth and aggressive root systems. Wood has no characteristic odor.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Best results with clear coats like lacquer or polyurethane to highlight the light color; pre-Conditioner is recommended for staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; identification based on the deeply lobed, Five-pointed leaves with silvery undersides and the characteristic shaggy, grayish-brown bark of a mature specimen.