Wood Species Maple American

Maple – American

North America
Hardwood
Non-durable

American Maple (primarily Acer saccharum, with some Acer rubrum also used) is a light-coloured, dense hardwood native to North America. It typically ranges from creamy white to light reddish-brown, often with a subtle sheen and occasional mineral streaking in the heartwood. The grain is generally straight with a fine, uniform texture, although figured forms such as curly, birdseye and quilted maple are also highly valued. It is a hard, strong timber with excellent wear resistance and good machining properties, but it is not naturally durable in outdoor or damp conditions.

In the timber industry, American maple is widely used for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, interior joinery and worktops due to its hardness and clean, contemporary appearance. It is particularly popular for high-wear surfaces such as gymnasium flooring, bowling alleys and commercial interiors. It is also used for veneers, musical instruments, turned objects and specialty items where strength and a fine, consistent grain are important, with figured grades often reserved for decorative or luxury applications.

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