Common Names Of Hard Maple
Maple has been called Hard Maple, Rock Maple and also Sugar Maple. These are different from a variation of the species known as Soft Maple.
Other names you may hear such as Spalted Maple or Ambrosia Maple is still of the same species but speaks to wood grain characteristics.
The character that is found within the grain of Spalted or Ambrosia is due to stress or disease which impacted the Maple tree. While the species is the same, nature imparts unique colors and grain lines that become very desirable.
Characteristics Of Maple Wood
The following properties pertain to the strength of Maple wood. Each relate to wood strength in different ways. Harness, bending, deflection, and crushing strength.
The dried weight of Maple is 44 lbs/ft3 with a specific gravity of .56, and .71 at 12% MC. It is a good weight with a density that allows ease of working while providing great integrity to wood structures.
The Janka Hardness of Maple is 1,450 lbf placing it ahead of Red and White Oak as well as Cherry, Teak, or Ash.
Note that while Hard Maple may have a higher hardness than other common North American Hardwoods in density it is behind Oak, Ash, Hickory, and Birch.
The bending strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), is 15,800 lbf/in2. This measurement is based upon the actual breaking point of Hard Maple not deflection.
The elastic modulus of Hard Maple is 1,830,000 lbf/in2. This is a measurement of deflection or stiffness and is based upon a ratio of stress compared to strain.
The crushing strength of Hard Maple is 7,830 lbf/in2. The measurement is taken parallel to the grain when pressure is applied from the ends of the wood. It is also known as compression strength and its application is important for things like deck posts or other vertical supporting structures.
The shrinkage of Hard Maple is 4.8% radial, 9.9% Tangential, 14.7% volumetric, and has a T/R ratio of 1.9.
Color And Appearance Of Hard Maple
The wood color of Hard Maple tends to be lighter and more uniform by color. By contrast Soft Maple will tend to have a slightly darker color and may include red or brown streaks in the grain.
Spalted Maple can have a beautiful visual texture which allows for a wide range of color to be displayed. Ambrosia characteristics will often be dark or near black lines which run along the grain.
When Maple has faced stress from attacks by insects or weather, the overall impact on the grain color will darken the wood. With this grain lines will generally stand out more readily and offer a rich variation in color.
Grain Of Hard Maple
The grain of Hard Maple will typically be fairly uniform and straight. It allows for ease in working with carving tools as this grain will give expected repeatability in cuts.
Natural Resistance Of Hard Maple To Rot And Elements
Hard Maple is very susceptible to insect attack. It has no natural defense by which to keep insects away.
In terms of rot resistance it is also prone to degrading quickly when allowed to be continually exposed to water. Due to these factors it is rated as non durable or perishable.
When using outdoors it will need to be sealed and properly cared for. When indoors while safe from the elements it can still be impacted by high humidity.
Sunlight can also alter the grain color of Maple if allowed to be continually exposed. Examples of this can be seen in hardwood floors where a rug may cover part of the floor.
When the rug is removed you will discover discoloration where continued sunlight will fade the color while the covered portion has retained its color.
Sustainability Of Hard Maple
Hard Maple is not on the CITES Appendices nor the Red List of threatened species. It is an abundant resource in North America and can be commonly found in rural and urban areas alike.
Toxicity And Allergies Due To Hard Maple
The only toxins or allergies caused by Hard Maple is what is commonly found among near all hardwoods. If one is naturally allergic to wood oils and dust from working with lumber then expect a runny nose or potential skin irritation.
Asthma like effects can take place for those who are more naturally allergic. Nevertheless, most woodworkers would readily know their susceptibility to Maple due to how commonplace it is.
Cost Of Hard Maple By Comparison
The cost of Hard Maple can be difficult to classify due to the wide range of what is available by the species. Common Hard Maple that can be found in a hardware store is relatively inexpensive in terms of comparison to other hardwoods.
You can expect to pay a price that is relative to Oak or other similar woods. This changes the moment you step into Maple variations.
Spalted and Ambrosia Maple will cost considerably more. Some pieces can be very expensive depending upon the grain lines and colors.
Generally speaking the average cost for Hard Maple should be in line with other hardwoods like Oak but less than Walnut. If you are paying more than a comparable price then look into why this is or choose another vendor.
Hard Maple In Woodworking And Wood Art
Hard Maple is a favorite in woodworking due to how easy it is to use. It allows precise cuts for machines and carving tools.
When wood carving if proper techniques are used there will be minimal tear out with the grain. When staining it will hold even color across the whole of the board with little effort.
The drawback to common Hard Maple is that it has little character within the grain and can be plain. While great for things like furniture or flooring, it has little value in wood art.
Within wood art the spalted and Ambrosia variety is what becomes coveted. These allow for an amazing visual texture to the grain that brings the carved art to life.
The more character a Maple piece has the more valuable it becomes. I would not use these more beautiful wood pieces for common uses but rather save them for specialized projects.
Most Common Uses For Hard Maple
The most common uses for Hard Maple is for furniture and flooring. Rarely is this wood used for exterior structures due to other species having greater natural defenses from nature and elements.
When Maple is used the finish is typically expected to be stained and sealed. Thus the boards you find offered at market are normally stain grade materials.
In wood art the uses can range from sculptured carving, panel art, and box art. Due to the ease of wood carving and its ability to maintain color integrity staining with multiple colors it is an easy choice by wood artists.
The outcome of any woodworking with Maple is very beautiful and it will mix and match very well with other species like Walnut. This compatibility and ease of use makes Hard Maple an economical choice in every regard when compared to more expensive counterparts.