Maple
Color/Appearance: Unlike most other hardwoods, the sapwood of hard maple lumber is
most commonly used rather than its heartwood. Sapwood color ranges from nearly
white, to an off-white cream color, sometimes with a reddish or golden hue. The
heartwood tends to be a darker reddish brown. Birdseye maple is a figure found most
commonly in hard maple, though it’s also found less frequently in other species. Hard
maple can also be seen with curly or quilted grain patterns.
Grain/Texture: Grain is generally straight, but may be wavy. Has a fine, even texture.
Common Uses: Flooring (from basketball courts and dance-floors to bowling alleys and
residential), veneer, paper (pulpwood), musical instruments, cutting boards, butcher
blocks, workbenches, baseball bats, and other turned objects and specialty wood items.
