January Wood of the Month: Hard Maple
At Helena Hardwoods, we’re kicking off the year by celebrating January’s "Wood of the Month"—Hard Maple! Known for its strength, stunning appearance, and impressive versatility, Hard Maple is a standout choice for a wide range of woodworking projects. Whether you're installing a new floor, crafting furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards or even a musical instrument, this remarkable wood has so much to offer.
Many Maples
There are over 100 Maple species worldwide and 13 native tree species in North America. Maple wood is characterized into either Soft Maple or Hard Maple, depending on its characteristics and the species of tree.
Soft Maples are typically the species Red Maple (Acer rubrum) and Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) and sometimes Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum) on the West coast. Hard Maple species are mainly Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and sometimes Black Maple (Acer nigrum).
Hardness: On the Janka Hardness scale, Soft Maples range from 700-950 lbf. Hard Maple is 1450.
Characteristics of Hard Maple
(also called Rock maple)
The main Hard Maple source, Sugar Maple, scientifically known as Acer saccharum, thrives in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. This sturdy hardwood is a favorite among woodworkers—and for good reason. Its fine, uniform grain paired with a light, creamy color gives it an understated yet elegant look. Occasionally, Hard Maple showcases unique traits like "figure" (also known as curly, fiddleback, and tigerstripe) or "birds-eye," rare genetic patterns that enhance its beauty and make it highly sought after.
This wood’s density contributes to its durability, making it exceptionally resistant to wear and tear. However, its density can also make staining a bit more challenging. For those who prefer a natural or lightly tinted finish, its smooth surface makes it easy to achieve a polished and professional final look.
What is mainly available on the lumber market to buy is known as white hard maple, the sapwood of the tree. Sometimes available, is an item called Brown Maple or Natural Maple. This is a mix of sapwood and heartwood, which is darker reddish brown. We do carry both of these types of Hard Maple.
Popular Applications
Hard Maple's versatility puts it in high demand across a variety of woodworking projects. Some of the most common uses include:
- Furniture: Its durability and beauty make it ideal for sturdy and long-lasting tables, chairs, and dressers.
- Cabinetry: Hard Maple’s fine grain and light color make it a classic choice for crafting beautiful kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
- Flooring: Its exceptional resistance to abrasion ensures a long-lasting, elegant finish that can stand up to daily wear.
- Musical Instruments: Thanks to its tonal qualities, Hard Maple is a preferred material for guitars, violins, and pianos.
Fun fact?
Hard Maple is considered a "tonewood," which means it carries sound waves remarkably well, contributing to the vibrant resonance of musical instruments.
A Sweet Connection
Beyond its contribution to woodworking and musical craftsmanship, Hard Maple has another claim to fame—it’s also responsible for producing maple syrup! The sap drawn from Hard Maple trees is the key ingredient in this beloved natural sweetener, making the tree an important resource in more ways than one. It takes approximately 30 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup.
Why Choose Hard Maple?
For those seeking a wood that excels in both form and function, Hard Maple is a top contender. Its strength, resistance to wear, and timeless aesthetic make it a staple in woodworking circles. Whether you’re building pieces that will last generations or perfecting a smooth, resonant sound, Hard Maple delivers on every front.
At Helena Hardwoods, we’re proud to offer high-quality Hard Maple and other hardwood lumber for your next project. Visit our shop to see this incredible wood up close and chat with us about how you can incorporate it into your work.
Start your year off strong with January’s "Wood of the Month!"
