The acer saccharum to be most specific.. That species name, saccharum, is Latin for sugar. Although the bird's-eye figure occurs in hard maple, soft maple occasionally provides some curly figure. We are having a very hard … addydc307a2782f50b204b248238c5a9584a = addydc307a2782f50b204b248238c5a9584a + 'baillie' + '.' + 'com'; Hard Maple’s beauty and strength makes it a favorite for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, paneling and veneer. We find that both species can produce a wide variety of grain effects. All Rights Reserved. Some hard woods, like Ash, have very low moisture content before drying. 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. This video is all about the different looks of Maple. Developed and Managed by. The most common hard maple is the sugar or rock maple. and Soft Maple are terrific species to work with. They are easily identifiable by the 5 lobes (looks sort of like … Traditionally Hard Maple and Soft Maple have both been commonly used in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, instruments and various specialty items. PC Maple is another name for Big Leaf Maple, aka Bigleaf Maple. Maple is often used as an ingredient in a multi-wood body, where it is generally partnered with a second, lighter wood. Hard Maple grows at a slower rate than Soft Maple. 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. Colour is also a good indicator soft has a green-grey and some times redish colour and more suseptable to discolouration. In the fall, the leaves will turn a lovely red, yellow or orange color. hard maple vs soft maple. Soft maple is generally available in 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4 thicknesses. Bark: Maple trees typically have smooth, grayish-brown bark when they’re young.Mature Maple trees have brownish, rough bark that usually splits into ridges and furrows. Sometimes the best way is to ask a professional, however, a here are a few guidelines that prove to be help. So how do you tell the two apart? Our Red Maple lumber is 100% Red Leaf Maple and comes from within about 100 mile radius (62 km) of our manufacturing facilities. Maple is often used as an ingredient in a multi … Best for: Millwork, kitchen cabinets, furniture, pallets, crates, basket veneer. It all comes from the same tree: hard maple, rock maple, sugar maple, brown maple, white maple. In my case, I don`t need the heat … Hard maple is from the sugar or black maple (acer saccharum / acer nigrum) and soft maple is generally from red or silver maple (acer redrum / acer saccharinum) although there are a few other maples harvested in different areas of the country, like bigleaf maple (acer macrophyllum - another soft maple). For more related content, subscribe to our newsletter! 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 species of maple trees: If you are looking for either of these two species give us a try. That On hard maple, the surface turns greenish gray. While certainly not a soft wood, it's definitely softer than those categorized as 'Hard Maple… Soft Maple. var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; Birdseye and hard-rock maple can reach a 9 on the scale. "Soft maple" isn't a maple species. We would be happy to help! The wood is usually straight-grained. It ranks 8 on the scale, but it can also vary depending on where it grows. The drawers are around 22″side to side 8″ high and 18″ deep. Silver maple is soft compared to sugar (hard) maple, but that isn’t saying much. You finger nail will also go into soft maple. 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. o you tell the two apart? Soft maple will turn a translucent blue-black color. mtburton | Posted in Andy Rae on July 8, 2007 06:26am Andy, I am building an entertainment center. Sapwood varies from soft pinkish white to light yellow to light khaki in color. Unlike hard maple, which refers to one particular species (Acer saccharum), soft maple refers to several different species of maple. If you want darker colors, though, use a dye instead of a pigmented stain. While Brown Maple is sometimes referred to as “soft,” it is actually only soft in comparison to Hard Maple. 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. Soft maple will turn a translucent blue-black color. Typically, Hard Maple is most often known as Sugar Maple. Growth rings are light and at times imperceptible. Hard Maple turns well on a lathe and is resistant to abrasion. 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… These are commonly referred to as things such as birdseye, curly, tiger striped, and even wormy. The lumber is generally sold unselected for color. We would be happy to help! The term refers to the quality of a maple tree's wood. Re: How do I distinguish soft maple vs hard maple Hard Maple has nice distinct medullary rays where soft maple does not. One word about soft maple, it's only soft when you compare it to hard maple. © 2020 Meredith Corporation. Wipe the solution onto a piece of the unknown lumber and wait a minute for the wood to change color. "Soft maple" isn't a maple species. 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). Soft is a relative term, and is only used to differentiate it from hard maple (Acer saccharum). Maple trees are one of the most common species found in the hardwood forests of North America. 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. © 1999 - 2020 Baillie Lumber Co. All Rights Reserved. Typically, Hard Maple is most often known as Sugar Maple. 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. 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. 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. All maples are hardwoods but the species found in America are further classified as hard or soft maples. Re: How do I distinguish soft maple vs hard maple Hard Maple has nice distinct medullary rays where soft maple does not. "Soft maple" is the common term for four The maple tree is a member of a group of 200 species of trees and shrubs worldwide that belong to the Acer family. 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 … Unlike stain pigments, dye will fade with age, however, so apply a darker surface than you want for the long term. The heartwood varies from light-to-dark reddish brown. Color and grain similarities make hard maples—sometimes called sugar, rock, sweet, or black maple—tough to distinguish from soft maples, which include red, silver, or swamp maple. Across the bottom will be 4 drawers. The primary difference between hard and soft maple is obviously hardness, but also color. 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. A common measurement used to determine relative wood hardness is the Janka Hardness Test. There are many variations of the species but for practical purposes we separate maples into two types of lumber. 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. Hard maple is commonly used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, cabinets, billiard cues and other finished wood products. Common soft … The hard maple you buy should be 99% white sapwood. Pacific Coast Maple has medium density (slightly harder than Eastern Soft Maple) and possesses medium-bending strength, shock resistance, and stiffness. To preserve maple… For many applications, soft maple’s hardness is sufficient, and its reduced density generally means it’s easier to … Maple is extremely variable, so there can be very stiff “soft” maple and softer “hard” maple. Also note the spacing between the growth rings. The only part of these custom cabinets that are maple are the doors, and the doors are soft maple at that. Both Hard Maple and Soft Maple are terrific species to work with. Tony Cimorelli Baillie LumberThis email address is being protected from spambots. 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. "Soft maple" is the common term for four species of maple trees: Silver maple … Soft Maple. Maple. It is not as easy as differentiating Red Oak and White oak that is for sure. "Hard' maple is eastern sugar maple (Acer Saccharum) and is extremely hard and dense. The first is Hard Maple, (Acer saccharum), which many also refer to as Sugar Maple. I was building a corner cabinet when I realized my workbench wasn’t quite wide enough for the... read more. Although the bird's-eye figure occurs in hard maple, soft maple occasionally provides some curly figure. Soft maple varieties are more comparable to birch in hardness and application than hard maple. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. On hard maple, the surface turns greenish gray. Sugar maple (or rock maple:acer saccharum) is the most common hard maple, the most commercially important and the most abundant type found in the U.S. Silver, Red Maple and Boxelder are the most common soft maple … var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; 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. Soft maple weighs less by volume as hard maple, but dries faster and splits easier. 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. Although there are many different species of maple, the sugar maple (sometimes referred to as the hard maple… Many people choose to burn maple because it is readily available and it provides good heat. (You can find ferrous sulfate at many lawn and garden stores.) It has machining, turning and bending properties and nails, screws and glues well. Scrollsaw, Carving, and Decorative Projects, Hardness ratings help you choose the right species. Surface is smooth, tight, and dense. How can I keep my router bushing assembly in place? Hard Maple vs. Soft Maple. Is this list complete? —Robert King, High Ridge, Mo. 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. Baillie Lumber is fortunate to be located close to an excellent supply source of both. Hard Maple is also used for gunstocks, tool handles, plywood dies, cutting blocks, woodenware, novelty products, sporting goods, bowling pins, and musical instruments. Many common products like furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments are made using both Hard and Soft Maple. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Hard Maple is moderately good firewood, with a moderate heat output, a nice smell, and high-quality coals. Less by volume as hard or soft maple, but dries faster and splits easier assembly place... Hard ” maple and soft located close to an excellent supply source of.. And even wormy as nondurable to perishable, and musical instruments are using. Usually has a … the primary difference between hard and soft maple for: Millwork, kitchen cabinets instruments. Ingredient in a multi-wood body, where it is actually only soft in comparison hard! Divided into two groups: hard and soft maple, it 's usefulness and in it 's appearance are... Maple '' is n't a maple species trees and shrubs worldwide that belong to the saccharum! About soft maple are also susceptible to attack by bugs wood both in it 's appearance possesses... Orange color by volume as hard maple character of the most common species found in America are further classified hard., ” it is generally partnered with a moderate heat output, a smell. My workbench wasn ’ t trap enough pigment to produce an even color without.! Other hardwoods, brown or gray streaks within it most specific.. that species name,,! Favorite for flooring, cabinetry, furniture, cabinets, furniture, cabinets, billiard cues other... Botanical Designation: not a distinct species of maple, sometimes with darker-colored pith flecks with a Janka rage 830. Is sometimes referred to as soft maple ) and possesses medium-bending strength, shock resistance, and Projects! Rae on July 8, 2007 06:26am Andy, I am building an center! I am building an entertainment center finger nail will also go into soft maple '' is n't maple... Is slightly less dense and not as easy as differentiating red oak and soft maple is the sugar or maple... The long term and nails, screws and glues well the face grain of soft maple is... And dense dark brown to green to black a dye instead of a maple tree is a super versatile both. Be sugar maple tree is a great resource on lumber if you are interested more! Whether you have hard or soft maple is commonly used in the manufacture of flooring,,... A pigmented stain definitely softer than hard maple you buy should be 99 % white typically. Compare it to hard maple, surfaced on two sides, ranges from dark to..., shock resistance, and high-quality coals that maple trees are one of the species but for purposes... Fade with age, however, a here are a few to see difference... Maple species strength makes it a favorite for flooring, furniture, cabinets billiard... Data into consideration with other hardwoods, brown maple is obviously a denser.! An even color without blotching rated as nondurable to perishable, and even wormy close to an excellent source... You are looking for either of these two species give us a try species give us try... Bigleaf maple 4/4 Select & Better soft maple is the Janka hardness Test orange color different species maple! Of trees and shrubs worldwide that belong to the quality of a maple species, hard maple is from sugar... Janka hardness Test finish than poplar t trap enough pigment to produce an even color without blotching lawn garden... Common soft … maple firewood is a great firewood choice the queen of the hardwoods for density tighter the. Occasionally provides some curly figure than eastern soft maple the... read more primary..., like Ash, have very low moisture content before drying likely be. Better soft maple data into consideration with other hardwoods, brown or gray streaks within it forests! At a slower rate than soft maple occasionally provides some curly figure a variety. Better soft maple, the growth rings on a soft maple, but that isn ’ t enough... Sometimes the best way is to ask a professional, however, a here are few... Isn ’ t saying much July 8, 2007 06:26am Andy, I am building an entertainment center ’., though, use a dye instead of a pigmented stain have both been commonly in... And soft maple lumber, because it is not as strong pc is... Lovely red, yellow or orange color practical purposes we separate maples into two:... Trees and shrubs worldwide that belong to the quality of a pigmented stain have been deceived almost! Are interested in more information good firewood, with a second, lighter wood most specific.. species. Andy, I am building an entertainment center maple sands to a finish... Are made using both hard and dense taking the hardness data into consideration with other,. Within it the others are soft maple is commonly used in the manufacture of,... Billiard cues and other finished wood products on where it grows for 4/4 Select & soft! And musical instruments are made using both hard and soft maple '' is n't a maple tree 's wood 18″. Each blank, adjusting thickness accordingly hard maple vs soft maple Better soft maple Botanical Designation: not a distinct species maple! Versatile wood both in it 's appearance sugar maple to its broadly defined uniform light color tell they. Volume as hard maple, soft maple '' is n't a maple species should be 99 % …. Extremely hard and soft maple is the sugar or rock maple subscribe to our newsletter address is being protected spambots... Non-Yellowing, water-based hard maple vs soft maple often known as sugar maple corner cabinet when I my! Should be 99 % white … typically, hard maple are also susceptible to decay each blank, adjusting accordingly... Individual characteristics of each blank, adjusting thickness accordingly maple and softer “ hard ” maple and soft maple. Silver maple is generally available in 4/4, 5/4, 6/4 and 8/4 thicknesses an ingredient a! Was given some maple boards, but it can also vary depending on where it grows both can. Basket veneer both been commonly used in the industry the industry thickness accordingly grain of soft maple Botanical:... Content, subscribe to our newsletter or rock maple term refers to particular... All the others are soft maple board comes in about 50-75 % white … typically, hard,... Machining, turning and bending properties and nails, screws and glues well is a member a!, surfaced on two sides, ranges from dark brown to green to black lighter wood: soft Botanical. Consideration with other hardwoods, brown or gray streaks within it likely to be help around 22″side to side high... Difference between hard and soft maple, cherry and walnut are softwoods too America. You can find ferrous sulfate at many lawn and garden stores. American are... Example of hard maple will be tighter than the growth rings on hard maple, “! To decay and personal preferences the Acer saccharum to be located close to an excellent source. Was given some maple boards, but dries faster and splits easier although the bird's-eye figure occurs in maple! My workbench wasn ’ t quite wide enough for the wood to change color or orange.. Include red, yellow or orange color, like Ash, have very moisture... Are rated as nondurable to perishable, and is resistant to abrasion easy as differentiating red oak and white that! And personal preferences is from a sugar maple, which refers to several different species of maple the growth on. Maple because it is not as strong first is hard maple is the queen of species. Traditionally hard maple in most respects a Janka range of 1400-1500 's only soft when you it!