Bigleaf Maple (also known as Oregon Maple)
Acer macrophyllum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Pacific Northwest region of North America, stretching from southern Alaska down through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and into California.
- Hardness
- 850 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot and insect attack if left untreated outdoors.
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Grain Pattern
Book-matched, quarter-sawn with a prominent flame or curly figure running perpendicular to the grain, creating a three-dimensional chatoyant effect.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to creamy pinkish-tan heartwood with lighter sapwood, exhibiting a high degree of chatoyance and luster under light due to the rippled flame figure.
Hardness (Janka)
850 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot and insect attack if left untreated outdoors.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15 to $40+ per board foot depending on the intensity and grade of the flame figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Kiln-dried recent stock, professionally prepared and joined as a book-matched set, estimated at 1 to 5 years since harvesting.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Musical instrument making (specifically guitar backs, sides, and necks, as well as violin backs), fine furniture, veneer, carving, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Northwest region of North America, stretching from southern Alaska down through British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and into California.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the wavy grain can cause tearout during planing or jointing if sharp blades and shallow passes are not used. Glues, turns, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, oils (like tung or danish oil), lacquer, and shellac wonderfully. Sunburst or amber tinting is frequently used to accentuate the three-dimensional flame depth.
Notable Features
Features distinct ripple figure (flame) highly prized for acoustic instruments and decorative veneers. Moderate weight and good tonal qualities.
