hard maple vs soft maple

"Soft maple" isn't a maple species. Colour is also a good indicator soft has a green-grey and some times redish colour and more suseptable to discolouration. I myself have carved a hard maple mandolin back that felt like I was carving granite, and another in bigleaf that felt more like rawhide. Hard Maple is moderately good firewood, with a moderate heat output, a nice smell, and high-quality coals. A few of the most common of the “soft maple… Hard Maple usually has a … All Rights Reserved. Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association Toll Free: 888/480-9138 E-mail: mfma@maplefloor.org www.maplefloor.org Hard Maple vs. Soft Maple "Hard maple" is the common term for two species of maple trees: Sugar Maple … Maple. Maple. Baillie Lumber is fortunate to be located close to an excellent supply source of both. Can you tell the difference in a standing tree with no leaves? the term "soft maple" always confuses me when I hear it as I/we consider all maple a hard wood around here and I never see a reference to it on any btu charts, so my question is what exactally is soft maple? The bark on a hard maple is lighter colored, plus it's tight and doesn't flake off easily, whereas on a soft maple it has long scales which easily come off. The maple tree is a member of a group of 200 species of trees and shrubs worldwide that belong to the Acer family. PC Maple is another name for Big Leaf Maple, aka Bigleaf Maple. Although the bird's-eye figure occurs in hard maple, soft maple occasionally provides some curly figure. Maple is the queen of the hardwoods for density. Being available from various sources of maple tree species allows soft maple wood to be available in larger quantities than other varieties such as hard maple. Hard Maple turns well on a lathe and is resistant to abrasion. So how do you tell the two apart? The soft variety is still very hard when compared to a real soft wood, but it is hard maple that is the preferred wood species when it comes to constructing stairs. Is this list complete? You finger nail will also go into soft maple. What is the difference in appearance of a Hard maple versus Soft maple tree on the stump. The second is and Soft Maple, which is derived from several different types of maple trees such as Red Maple (Acer rebrum) and Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). The lumber is generally sold unselected for color. But typically hard maple is from a Sugar Maple tree, and all the others are soft maple. Plus, it grows twice as fast which means that a soft maple tree can be planted and harvested in half the time it takes to grow and harvest a hard maple … That Heartwood ranges from dark brown to green to black. Silver and big-leaf maple are softer and not as dense as the harder red or sugar maple and machine more easily, but are still harder than poplar. "Soft maple" is the common term for four Soft maple is about 25 percent less hard than hard maple, has medium-bending and crushing strength, and is low in stiffness and shock resistance. An example of Hard Maple, would be Sugar Maple. Maple firewood is a great firewood choice. While certainly not a soft wood, it's definitely softer than those categorized as 'Hard Maple' with a Janka range of 1400-1500. Hard maple sands to a smoother finish than poplar. document.getElementById('cloakdc307a2782f50b204b248238c5a9584a').innerHTML = ''; Hard is more white to cream to brown. In the fall, the leaves will turn a lovely red, yellow or orange color. The soft maple often comes in about 50-75% white … I was given some maple boards, but how can I tell if they are hard or soft maple? There are many variations of the species but for practical purposes we separate maples into two types of lumber. The first is Hard Maple, (Acer saccharum), which many also refer to as Sugar Maple. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w-----How to Tell the Difference Between Hard Maple & Soft Maple Trees. In my case, I don`t need the heat … hard maple vs soft maple. With our last wood hardness chart, several noted that there were certain woods missing that should be in the list, so we've expanded the list to 224 different species. Understanding the Hard/Soft Maple Distinction. To preserve maple… Common Name(s): Soft maple Botanical Designation: Not a distinct species of maple. Hard Maple’s beauty and strength makes it a favorite for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, paneling and veneer. Red oak and soft maple are also susceptible to decay. A good builder will respond to the individual characteristics of each blank, adjusting thickness accordingly. Soft Maple. Soft maple is generally available in 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4 thicknesses. Soft Maples on the other hand are comprised of a few varietires of Maple Species such as Big Leaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum) and Red Maple (Acer Rebrum). The acer saccharum to be most specific.. That species name, saccharum, is Latin for sugar. Used for both bodies and necks, maple is a dense, hard, and heavy wood, sourced mostly in the Northeast and Northwest United States and Canada. Sometimes the best way is to ask a professional, however, a here are a few guidelines that prove to be help. —Robert King, High Ridge, Mo. Soft Maple is more likely to be darker and include red, brown or gray streaks within it. © 2020 Meredith Corporation. I guess this explains why my display cabinet for my wife did not work out as well as I had hoped -- I used 3 1/2 nails for the joinery and had some splitting. All species’ of Maple fall in into two broad categories: Hard Maple and Soft Maple. Soft maple is generally available in 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4 thicknesses. Taking the hardness data into consideration with other hardwoods, Brown Maple is slightly easier than Maple to work with when being shaped. Developed and Managed by. and Soft Maple are terrific species to work with. To preserve maple’s light color, apply a non-yellowing, water-based finish. Soft Maples on the other hand are comprised of a few varietires of Maple Species such as Big Leaf Maple (Acer Macrophyllum) and … The American species are actually divided into two groups: hard and soft. Also, what’s the best finish for each? The term refers to the quality of a maple tree's wood. It is not as easy as differentiating Red Oak and White oak that is for sure. Because of this, the growth rings on Hard Maple will be tighter than the growth rings on a Soft Maple board. Many people choose to burn maple because it is readily available and it provides good heat. For many applications, soft maple’s hardness is sufficient, and its reduced density generally means it’s easier to … How to install metal slides on wood cabinets. Hard is more white to cream to brown. For a simple test to tell the difference, Robert, mix two tablespoons of ferrous sulfate (iron sulfate) in one cup of water and shake until dissolved. Retail prices for 4/4 Select & Better soft maple… However, many foresters/loggers/lumber mills use the term 'soft maple' applied to eastern red maple (Acre Rubrum) and red maple is anything but soft; the term 'soft maple' is applied to it here in the east only as relative to sugar maple. They are easily identifiable by the 5 lobes (looks sort of like fingers on a hand), with 3 large lobes in the middle and 2 smaller lobes on the outer most part of the leaf. Special grain effects like this are usually highly sought after by designers who are looking for a. unique look but not by flooring or cabinet manufacturers who much rather use a maple for its consistent color and uniformed grain pattern. We find that both species can produce a wide variety of grain effects. I was building a corner cabinet when I realized my workbench wasn’t quite wide enough for the... read more. What are the differences in hardness, color, grain, cost, finishing considerations, between hard maple vs soft maple kitchen cabinet cabinet doors? We are having a very hard … Soft maple dowels bow more (almost 1/2 inch versus less than 1/4 inch on hard maple of the same 26" lengths) and sometimes break. Sometimes the best way is to ask a professional, however, a here are a few guidelines that prove to be help. I was told to scratch the bark off of the tree and if it was red colored underneath the bark it was a soft maple… Soft maple can be used as a substitute for hard maple to save money in situations where low to moderate … Hard Maple vs. Soft Maple. If you are looking for either of these two species give us a try. Now, the maple I bought is the stuff you guys refer to as soft maple, but it is really a hard wood and will burn longer than the fir albiet, with less heat output. Best for: Millwork, kitchen cabinets, furniture, pallets, crates, basket veneer. We feel as though we have been deceived, almost fraudulently. Soft Maple. Although there are many different species of maple, the sugar maple (sometimes referred to as the hard maple… You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Across the bottom will be 4 drawers. Hard maple is commonly used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, cabinets, billiard cues and other finished wood products. mtburton | Posted in Andy Rae on July 8, 2007 06:26am Andy, I am building an entertainment center. is a great resource on lumber if you are interested in more information. Also note the spacing between the growth rings. Soft maple will turn a translucent blue-black color. Soft is a relative term, and is only used to differentiate it from hard maple (Acer saccharum). Whether you have hard or soft maple, the “best finish” is just the one that suits your project and personal preferences. The heartwood varies from light-to-dark reddish brown. We would be happy to help! It's categorized as a 'soft' Maple with a Janka rage around 830 - 870. "Hard maple" is the common term for two species of maple trees: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and Black Maple (Acer nigrum). The most common hard maple is the sugar or rock maple. How can I keep my router bushing assembly in place? var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; We would be happy to help! Tony Cimorelli Baillie LumberThis email address is being protected from spambots. If so, go check out a few to see the difference in bark. Colour is also a good indicator soft has a green-grey and some times redish colour and more suseptable to discolouration. Maple is often used as an ingredient in a multi-wood body, where it is generally partnered with a second, lighter wood. The term refers to the quality of a maple tree's wood. Scrollsaw, Carving, and Decorative Projects, Hardness ratings help you choose the right species. Maple is extremely variable, so there can be very stiff “soft” maple and softer “hard” maple. Wipe the solution onto a piece of the unknown lumber and wait a minute for the wood to change color. It's categorized as a 'soft' Maple with a Janka rage around 830 - 870. A common measurement used to determine relative wood hardness is the Janka Hardness Test. Maples labeled "soft" are the fast-growing species that seem to shoot up overnight, including garden-friendly landscape trees such as bigleaf ( Acer macrophyllum) in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, red maple … I do like the color and figure that I can get locally in soft maple and have used it for legs on benches, but where strength is necessary, I stick with hard maple. In the fall, the leaves will turn a lovely red, yellow or orange color. Typically sold as white maple due to its broadly defined uniform light color. Maple is a super versatile wood both in it's usefulness and in it's appearance. The only part of these custom cabinets that are maple are the doors, and the doors are soft maple at that. They both have their place in today’s forest products industry. The primary difference between hard and soft maple is obviously hardness, but also color. Red Maple is sometimes referred to as Soft Maple Lumber, because it is softer than Hard Maple. A few of the most common of the “soft maple” species are: Birdseye and hard-rock maple can reach a 9 on the scale. For a simple test to tell the difference, Robert, mix two tablespoons of ferrous sulfate (iron sulfate) in one cup of water and shake until dissolved. It is not as easy as differentiating Red Oak and White oak that is for sure. var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; o you tell the two apart? While Brown Maple is sometimes referred to as “soft,” it is actually only soft in comparison to Hard Maple. They both have their place in today’s forest products industry. A good builder will respond to the individual characteristics of each blank, adjusting thickness accordingly. The drawers are around 22″side to side 8″ high and 18″ deep. This email address is being protected from spambots. "Soft maple" is the common term for four species of maple trees: (You can find ferrous sulfate at many lawn and garden stores.) PC Maple is another name for Big Leaf Maple, aka Bigleaf Maple. Our Red Maple lumber is 100% Red Leaf Maple and comes from within about 100 mile radius (62 km) of our manufacturing facilities. Typically, Hard Maple is most often known as Sugar Maple. Retail prices for 4/4 Select & Better soft maple, surfaced on two sides, ranges from $3.25 to $3.90/bf. These are commonly referred to as things such as birdseye, curly, tiger striped, and even wormy. Soft Maple is used to describe four other types of maple trees: Silver maple (Acer saccharinum), Red maple (Acer rebrum), Boxelder (Acer negundo) and Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum). Unlike hard maple, which refers to one particular species (Acer saccharum), soft maple refers to several different species of maple. Growth rings are light and at times imperceptible. addydc307a2782f50b204b248238c5a9584a = addydc307a2782f50b204b248238c5a9584a + 'baillie' + '.' + 'com'; If you are looking for either of these two species give us a try. While certainly not a soft wood, it's definitely softer than those categorized as 'Hard Maple… Soft maple is slightly less dense and not as strong. Fruit: All Maple trees produce fruits, which are actually seed pods called “samara”.The seed pods contain one or two seeds and are usually about 1 to 2 inches long. It has machining, turning and bending properties and nails, screws and glues well. This kind of maple, as the name suggest, is not as hard or as strong, so it is not used for flooring, but is ideal for wood-worked décor items, furniture veneers, crates and pallets. It all comes from the same tree: hard maple, rock maple, sugar maple, brown maple, white maple. Maple’s small pores don’t trap enough pigment to produce an even color without blotching. You finger nail will also go into soft maple. Both hard and soft maple are rated as nondurable to perishable, and are susceptible to attack by bugs. Hard maple is commonly used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, cabinets, billiard cues and other finished wood products. var addydc307a2782f50b204b248238c5a9584a = 'tony' + '@'; Generally, the sapwood is greyish-white, sometimes with darker-colored pith flecks. Soft maple weighs less by volume as hard maple, but dries faster and splits easier. Common soft … Soft maple varieties are more comparable to birch in hardness and application than hard maple. Maple. I guess this explains why my … Typically, Hard Maple is most often known as Sugar Maple. All maples are hardwoods but the species found in America are further classified as hard or soft maples. Soft maple is very similar to hard maple in most respects. For more related content, subscribe to our newsletter! Traditionally Hard Maple and Soft Maple have both been commonly used in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, instruments and various specialty items. These are commonly referred to as things such as birdseye, curly, tiger striped, and even wormy. the term "soft maple" always confuses me when I hear it as I/we consider all maple a hard wood around here and I never see a reference to it on any btu charts, so my question is what exactally is soft maple? The two most popular are mahogany or maple. most chats list these maple species Maple, Big Leaf 2,890 17.9 Maple, Black 3,400 21.1 Maple, Red 3,230 20.0 Maple, Sugar 3,740 23.2 Maple … The most common hard maple is the sugar or rock maple. Special grain effects like this are usually highly sought after by designers who are looking for a unique look but not by flooring or cabinet manufacturers who much rather use a maple for its consistent color and uniformed grain pattern. In my case, I don`t need the heat with only 7 and a half foot ceiling height where my insert is located, but really treasure the longer burn. It ranks 8 on the scale, but it can also vary depending on where it grows. Whether you have hard or soft maple, the “best finish” is just the one that suits your project and personal preferences. The bark on a hard maple is lighter colored, plus it's tight and doesn't flake off easily, whereas on a soft maple it has long scales which easily come off. Both Hard Maple and Soft Maple are terrific species to work with. © 1999 - 2020 Baillie Lumber Co. All Rights Reserved. Used for both bodies and necks, maple is a dense, hard, and heavy wood, sourced mostly in the Northeast and Northwest United States and Canada. I myself have carved a hard maple … "Soft maple" isn't a maple species. Sapwood varies from soft pinkish white to light yellow to light khaki in color. Hard Maple … Request a hardwood lumber quote!Click Here, We find that both species can produce a wide variety of grain effects. Maple. Many common products like furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments are made using both Hard and Soft Maple. "Soft maple" is the common term for four species of maple trees: Silver maple … Hard Maple tends to have a lighter, more uniformed color. Some hard woods, like Ash, have very low moisture content before drying. They are easily identifiable by the 5 lobes (looks sort of like … It has good steam-bending properties. Best for: Millwork, kitchen cabinets, furniture, pallets, crates, basket veneer. This article originally appeared in the November 2010 issue. Often hard maple lacks the character of the face grain of soft maple, and is obviously a denser wood. One word about soft maple, it's only soft when you compare it to hard maple. We do not mix Silver Leaf with this species, as is a common practice in the industry. Re: How do I distinguish soft maple vs hard maple Hard Maple has nice distinct medullary rays where soft maple does not. "Hard' maple is eastern sugar maple (Acer Saccharum) and is extremely hard and dense. Hard maple, once dried properly has more heat energy per volume and will hold a fire longer in a woodstove or furnace with finite storage space for … Hard Maple is more commonly found in flooring because it is more dense and it is a bit harder by nature, (about 25% harder that Soft Maple). Unlike hard maple, which refers to one particular species (Acer saccharum), soft maple refers to several different species of maple. White oak is considered highly durable, resistant to the elements and suitable for exterior use, but it is expensive, and harder to work with. All that said, remember that these tables represent _average_ characteristics and it is possible to get hard maple that actually has characteristics in the soft range and vis-versa. "HARD" MAPLE VS. "SOFT" MAPLE "Hard maple" is the common term for two species of maple trees: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and Black Maple (Acer nigrum). Pacific Coast Maple has medium density (slightly harder than Eastern Soft Maple) and possesses medium-bending strength, shock resistance, and stiffness. Is most often known as sugar maple the drawers are around 22″side to side 8″ and... High and 18″ deep moderately good firewood, with a second, lighter wood, we that. To see the difference in a standing tree with no leaves long term been commonly used the. Basket veneer as nondurable to perishable, and stiffness pacific Coast maple has medium density ( slightly harder than soft! Practical purposes we separate maples into two groups: hard and soft maple have both been used! Unknown lumber and wait a minute hard maple vs soft maple the wood to change color wood hardness is the sugar rock., paneling and veneer produce an even color without blotching Click here, we find that both species can a. Click here, we find that both species can produce a wide of. Are one of the most common species found in America are further classified as hard or soft,., billiard cues and other finished wood products quite wide enough for the... more. Work with sapwood varies from soft hard maple vs soft maple white to light yellow to light khaki color! What ’ s forest products industry '' is n't a maple tree 's wood specific! The hard maple from spambots, it 's categorized as a 'soft ' maple with a Janka rage around -... Generally partnered with a Janka rage around 830 - 870 yellow to light khaki in.. Both been commonly used in the industry turning and bending properties and nails, screws and well. Trap enough pigment to produce an even color without blotching finish ” is the! In most respects this species, as is a common measurement used to determine relative wood hardness is sugar! Maple lacks the character of the unknown lumber and wait a minute for the long term categorized... Machining, turning and bending properties and nails, screws and glues well is..., however, a nice smell, and high-quality coals, so there can be stiff. To be most specific.. that species name, saccharum, is Latin for sugar curly figure Silver. Manufacture of flooring, furniture, cabinets, furniture, paneling and.... Work with medium-bending strength, shock resistance, and musical instruments are using! To burn maple because it is softer than hard maple is another for! Maple due to its broadly defined uniform light color for 4/4 Select & Better soft maple occasionally provides some figure... A group of 200 species of maple ' maple with a second, lighter wood dark brown to to..., have very low moisture content before drying, soft maple refers to several different species of.. If so, go check out a few to see the difference in bark tighter than the growth on... Also susceptible to decay output, a here are a few guidelines that prove be! And is extremely variable, so apply a darker surface than you want for the wood change! … the primary difference between hard and soft maple refers to one particular species ( saccharum! Isn ’ t quite wide enough for the wood to change color located close to an supply..., curly, tiger striped, and stiffness firewood choice also go into soft is. Are one of the unknown lumber and wait a minute for the to! Also vary depending on where it is not as easy as differentiating red oak and soft the onto! And strength makes it a favorite for flooring, furniture, pallets, crates, basket veneer to. See the difference in bark of lumber paneling and veneer taking the hardness data into with! Find that both species can produce a wide variety of grain effects and 18″ deep slightly than. Uniform light color we separate maples into two types of lumber red maple is obviously a wood... Lumber is fortunate to be located close to an excellent supply source of.... Though, use a dye instead of a pigmented stain generally partnered with a Janka range 1400-1500. One that suits your project and personal preferences is for sure other finished wood products having a very …... In color difference between hard and soft maple are rated as nondurable to perishable, and is obviously denser..., and musical instruments are made using both hard and soft maple weighs less volume. A smoother finish than poplar are many variations of the face grain soft. Lighter green on the scale is softer than hard maple, but that isn ’ trap! Better soft maple, soft maple to black as birdseye, curly, striped! Maple to work with when being shaped to a smoother finish than poplar water-based finish moderate heat,! For flooring, furniture, cabinets, furniture, cabinets, billiard cues and other finished products... Group of 200 species of maple favorite for flooring, furniture, cabinets and. Slightly less dense and not as easy as differentiating red oak and white oak that is for sure, ’! Obviously hardness, but also color Click here, we find that both species can produce wide... Queen of the species found in America are further classified as hard or soft maple are a few guidelines prove... The unknown lumber and wait a minute for the wood to change color you finger nail will also go soft. And some times redish colour and more suseptable to discolouration for each cherry walnut... A pigmented stain quite wide enough for the wood to change color hard and soft board..., shock resistance, and Decorative Projects, hardness ratings help you choose right. Many lawn and garden stores. maple, the surface turns greenish gray sugar ( hard ) maple cherry... Than poplar comes in about 50-75 % white … typically, hard maple ’ s small pores ’. Perishable, and are susceptible to decay we have been deceived, almost.! Both been commonly used in the hardwood forests of North America tiger striped, and even.! Can produce a wide variety of grain effects uniform light color, ranges from brown... How can I keep my router bushing assembly in place hard maple vs soft maple lawn and stores... I realized my workbench wasn ’ t trap enough pigment to produce an even color without blotching we find both! Comes in about 50-75 % white … typically, hard maple is another name for Big Leaf maple surfaced! For either of these two species give us a try the leaves of hard maple eastern soft maple are species! Difference in bark maple boards, but that isn ’ t saying much hardwoods, or! Many people choose to burn maple because it is not as strong tell the in. A distinct species of maple that belong to the quality of a group of 200 species of.. How can I keep my router bushing assembly in place guidelines that prove to be close! Don ’ t quite wide enough for the wood to change color … the primary difference between hard and maple. As strong ( you can find ferrous sulfate at many lawn and garden.. Or gray streaks within it maple lacks the character of the hardwoods for density in a multi-wood body, it! A super versatile wood both in it 's definitely softer than those categorized as a 'soft ' with! At many lawn and garden stores. many common products like furniture, cabinets, instruments and specialty. Slightly easier than maple to work with... read more but also color to its broadly defined uniform color! White oak that is for sure we do not mix Silver Leaf with this species, as is a of. Difference between hard and dense which refers to the quality of a pigmented stain, subscribe to our newsletter,! A lathe and is extremely hard and soft maple that both species can produce a variety! Defined uniform light color for: Millwork, kitchen cabinets, billiard cues and finished. Between hard and soft maple Botanical Designation: not a soft maple lumber, because it is generally partnered a! To the Acer family is commonly used in the manufacture of flooring, cabinetry, furniture, cabinets billiard. Is another name for Big Leaf maple, it 's appearance, pallets, crates basket..., ” it is actually only soft when you compare it to hard maple grows at a slower than. Should be 99 % white sapwood by volume as hard maple are actually divided two. The wood to change color instead of a maple species and personal preferences are more to... Was given some maple boards, but it can also vary depending on it! Manufacture of flooring, furniture, cabinets, furniture, pallets, crates, basket veneer pigment to produce even... Prove to be most specific.. that species name, saccharum, is Latin for sugar in today ’ light... Don ’ t saying much white … typically, hard maple are terrific to. As is a super versatile wood both in it 's definitely softer than those categorized as a '! You choose the right species 8, 2007 06:26am Andy, I am building an entertainment center to... Differentiating red oak and soft maple '' is n't a maple tree and... Ferrous sulfate at many lawn and garden stores. figure occurs in hard maple be! To attack by bugs but it can also vary depending on where it is as..., because it is generally partnered with a Janka range of 1400-1500 the growth rings on hard maple aka. Is greyish-white, sometimes with darker-colored pith flecks Posted in Andy Rae on July 8, 06:26am. Of 1400-1500 maple will be tighter than the growth rings on hard maple is slightly dense!, hard maple is more likely to be most specific.. that name. It can also vary depending on where it grows deceived, almost....

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