Most likely silver maple; alternatives include red maple or soft maple.
Acer saccharinum (possible Acer rubrum or Acer spp.) · Hardwood (deciduous), domestic North American.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood (deciduous), domestic North American.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes and Mississippi Valley regions.
- Hardness
- Approximately 750 lbf Janka; Soft.
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering, so it is primarily an interior wood.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly diffuse, straight to mildly wavy grain with a prominent flat-sawn cathedral pattern and central branch/knothole figure.
Color & Appearance
Very pale cream to grayish white heartwood and sapwood with subtle tan variation; low luster and little natural color change, though it may yellow slightly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
Approximately 750 lbf Janka; Soft.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering, so it is primarily an interior wood.
Value & Age
About $3–$6 per board foot for ordinary kiln-dried lumber; figured or clear 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 sample appears freshly cut or recently machined; visible growth rings indicate tree age, not the age of the board, which cannot be estimated reliably.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boxes, interior trim, flooring, pallets, turning, and utility lumber.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes and Mississippi Valley regions.
Workability
Cuts, turns, sands, glues, and finishes readily, though its softness can cause crushing, fuzzy surfaces, and occasional tearout around knots.
Finish Recommendations
Sand carefully through fine grits, use a washcoat or sanding sealer to reduce uneven absorption, then apply oil, lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane.
Notable Features
Lightweight, fine-textured, pale wood with relatively indistinct pores and visible annual rings; the central feature appears to be a small knot or branch trace.
