Silver Maple
Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 700 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to slightly durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in contact with the ground or moisture.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
700 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to slightly durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in contact with the ground or moisture.
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.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, paper (pulpwood), crates, pallets, musical instruments, turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
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.
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.
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.
