Soft Maple
Scientific Name: Acer Spp
Other Common Names: Scarlet Maple, Swamp Maple, Carolina Red Maple, Drummond Red Maple, Water Maple
Originating from the Appalachian region, Soft Maple is a lighter, pliable, but stable hardwood known for its workable qualities. It features a fine, closed grain in a pale hue, with occasional wavy patterns. Ideal for both painting and decorative finishes, it’s commonly chosen for turned objects and specialty crafts. The sapwood is often the choice for clear finishes, while the heart or brown piece is optimal for painted finishes.
Soft Maple’s adaptability makes it a cost-effective choice for varied projects, including cabinetry, furniture, and millwork. It accommodates different grades, ensuring suitability for bespoke pieces and large-scale production, while its source region guarantees a steady supply of this versatile wood.
Screwing/Nailing
Quick Fact:
Soft Maple is often used as a substitute for Hard Maple because it has a similar appearance but is easier to work with due to its lower density.
- Cabinetry
- Furniture
- Doors
- Turnings
- Millwork
- Musical Instruments
- Durable longevity
- Classic hardwood appeal
- Even finish absorption
- Smooth and stable
- Excellent workability
- Natural two-tone effect
NWH Appalachian is available as PEFC certified, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Controlled Wood or PEFC Controlled Sources.
How Does Soft Maple Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?
| Lumber (12 % moisture content) | Machining | Sanding | Finishing | Gluing | Fastening/ Nailing/ Screwing | Weight per bdft | Specific Gravity (Density) | Hardness (Janka) | Bending Strength (MOR) | Bending Stiffness (MOE) | Dimensional Movement (Shrinkage) R (%) | Dimensional Movement (Shrinkage) T (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alder | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 2.45 | .41 | 590 | 9,800 | 1,380 | 4.4 | 7.3 |
| Ash | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 3.56 | .61 | 1,320 | 15,000 | 1,740 | 4.9 | 7.8 |
| Basswood | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 2.50 | .37 | 410 | 8,700 | 1,460 | 6.6 | 9.3 |
| Beech | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 3.69 | .64 | 1,260 | 14,900 | 1,720 | 5.5 | 11.9 |
| Cherry | 10 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 3.07 | .52 | 950 | 12,300 | 1,490 | 3.7 | 7.1 |
| Hickory | 3 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 4.14 | .67 | 1,820 | 13,700 | 1,730 | 4.9 | 8.9 |
| Hard Maple | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 4 | 3.73 | .64 | 1,450 | 15,800 | 1,830 | 4.8 | 9.9 |
| PC Maple | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 2.74 | .50 | 850 | 10,700 | 1,450 | 3.7 | 7.1 |
| Soft Maple | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 5 | 3.19 | .55 | 950 | 13,400 | 1,640 | 4.0 | 8.2 |
| Red Oak (Northern) | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 3.64 | .63 | 1,220 | 14,380 | 1,761 | 4.0 | 8.6 |
| Oregon White Oak | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 4.34 | .72 | 1,640 | 10,200 | 1,090 | 4.2 | 9.0 |
| White Oak (Eastern) | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 3.94 | .68 | 1,350 | 14,380 | 1,762 | 4.4 | 8.8 |
| Poplar | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 2.81 | .43 | 540 | 10,100 | 1,580 | 4.6 | 8.2 |
| Walnut | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 3.36 | .56 | 1,010 | 14,600 | 1,680 | 5.5 | 7.8 |
| Yellow Birch | 10 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 3.53 | .62 | 1,260 | 16,600 | 2,010 | 7.3 | 9.5 |
Grades Available
- Cabinets
- Entry doors
- Furniture
- Millwork
For painting and dark staining of:
- Cabinetry
- Vanities
- Millwork
- Furniture
- Cabinets
- Panels
- Furniture
For painting and dark staining of:
- Cabinetry
- Vanities
- Millwork
- Furniture
- Panels
- Drawer Fronts
- Picture Frames
- Toys
- Table Legs
