Soft Maple (likely Red Maple)
Acer rubrum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a fine, even texture. Shows a slightly wavy, diffuse-porous grain typical of North American maples.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish brown; sapwood is a pale off-white to creamy color. Features a low to medium luster and will gradually darken to a golden hue over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boxes, crates, pallets, musical instruments (mostly backs and sides), and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.50 - $6.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut or relatively new stock (less than 2 years old) based on the absence of oxidation, lack of patina, and clean, pale color.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, though figured areas may experience some tearout. Glues and finishes easily.
Notable Features
Often referred to as "soft" maple to distinguish it from Hard Maple (Acer saccharum), though it is still a botanical hardwood. Lacks a distinct odor.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. Polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils like Danish oil are recommended to highlight the clean grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffuse-porous end grain, creamy color, and structural characteristics is consistent with Eastern North American Soft Maple.