wooddepot
Maple
Maple
Cutting cost $3 per cut. Leaving your cut list at the check out and we will contact you. Or contact us via email or WhatsApp to discuss your needs.
Please contact us for availability of plank sizes. Highly figured craft pieces are also available. We have several different sizes available (website stock may not be accurate). Better still, come down and have a look at our stock and chat with us for wood advice and application.
Maple wood, celebrated for its beauty and versatility, is a popular hardwood choice among woodworkers and carpenters worldwide. Predominantly harvested from the Acer genus, maple trees are found in Europe, Asia, and North America, with the latter being a significant source of both hard and soft maple varieties. Known for its strength, durability, and fine texture, maple wood is a preferred material for a wide array of carpentry applications, from furniture making to flooring.
Appearance: Maple wood is characterized by its light, creamy color, often with a subtle reddish or golden hue. The wood features a straight, fine, and uniform grain pattern, though certain varieties, such as birdseye maple and curly maple, exhibit unique and highly decorative figures. These distinctive patterns are highly valued for their aesthetic appeal, making maple a popular choice for accent pieces and high-end furniture. The wood's natural luster adds to its visual appeal, providing a smooth and refined finish.
Characteristics & Properties: Maple is known for its hardness and durability, making it resistant to dents and scratches. This resilience is particularly true for hard maple varieties, such as sugar maple (Acer saccharum), which boast excellent wear resistance. Maple also has good dimensional stability, maintaining its shape well over time. However, it is susceptible to moisture-related issues and can exhibit movement in service if not properly seasoned. Maple's tight grain structure contributes to its strength and makes it less prone to splintering.
Workability: Maple wood's fine texture and uniform grain make it relatively easy to work with, both with hand tools and machinery. It sands to a smooth finish, readily accepts stains and finishes, and can be polished to a high shine. However, its hardness may require sharp tools to avoid burning during machining processes. Maple glues well but can be challenging to screw and nail without pre-drilling, as it tends to split.
Applications: Maple's strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal lend it to a wide range of uses. It is extensively used in furniture making, particularly for items that require a hard-wearing surface, such as tables and cabinets. Maple is also a popular choice for flooring, offering a light, attractive finish that withstands heavy foot traffic. In addition, maple's fine grain and consistency make it ideal for detailed joinery work, such as trim, molding, and musical instruments. The unique patterns of figured maple are sought after for veneers and decorative panels, adding a touch of luxury and distinction to interior designs.
In summary, maple wood is a versatile and durable material that offers both functionality and beauty. Its wide range of applications, from practical flooring to exquisite furniture and decorative accents, demonstrates its appeal and value in carpentry and woodworking projects. Whether for its strength or stunning visual characteristics, maple continues to be a top choice among professionals and hobbyists alike