Maple

Maple

Acer

Acer is a genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as maples, sycamore (United Kingdom).

Bigleaf maple (S): Acer macrophyllum
Box elder (S): Acer negundo
Hard (rock/ sugar) Maple (H): Acer saccharum
Red maple (S): Acer rubrum
Silver maple (S): Acer saccharinum
Striped maple (S): Acer pensylvanicum

From the vivid colored leaves come autumn to the dependable durability, and performance, Maple is sought after around the world in both wood and tree form.

Janka Hardness

Soft Maples (S) - 700-900 lbf
Hard Maple (H) - 1450 lbf

What is Janka hardness?

Color

With maple lumber the sapwood is most commonly used with color ranging from nearly white, to an off-white cream color, sometimes with a golden hue or reddish color. The heartwood tends to be a darker reddish brown.

Flexibility-Stability

Maple is dimensionally stable, meaning it resists warping and shrinking once properly dried. While hard and durable, maple is relatively flexible, allowing it to absorb impacts (which is why it's used in bowling alleys and sports gear).

Region

There are approximately 132 species, most of which are native to Asia, with a number also appearing in Europe, northern Africa, and North America. On the west coast of the US big leaf maple is most common whereas the east coast red maple is the common species.

Tree Size

80-100 feet tall, 2-3 feet trunk diameter (Big Leaf Maple)

Grain

Straight, close grain with a fine, even texture. Can also have figured grain patterns like curly or bird’s-eye. Maple also takes stain and finishes well.

Useability

Maple is celebrated for its blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance. Sugar Maple is known for its strength and hardness, making it extremely durable. It is dense but not excessively heavy.

Tonewood

Maple is a prized tonewood used in a variety of musical instruments due to its hardness, bright tonal quality, and durability. In string instruments like violins and cellos, the back, sides, and neck are often made from maple to enhance sound projection and clarity. Electric guitar necks, especially in Fender models, frequently use maple for its stability and bright tone. Maple is also common in woodwinds like bassoons, and in drum kits, where its resonant sound is highly favored. Its fine grain, strength, and ability to produce clear, bright tones make it a versatile choice in instrument manufacturing.

Sporting Equipment

Maple wood is used for baseball bats, though it breaks more easily than ash or hickory. Introduced to Major League Baseball in 1998 by Sam Bat founder Sam Holman, maple bats are now widely used by professional players. Maple is also a popular choice in archery, used as the core material in recurve bow limbs for its strength and stiffness, making it ideal for high-performance equipment in both baseball and archery.

Figured Grains

Maple wood features various grain patterns, each offering unique aesthetics and characteristics. Straight grain is the most common, known for its clean and uniform appearance. Curly grain shows wavy patterns, adding a decorative effect, while Bird's-eye grain features small circular figures resembling bird’s eyes, prized for its rarity. Quilted grain displays a three-dimensional, rippling effect. These grain variations make maple a versatile choice, valued for both structural integrity and visual appeal in woodworking and instrument making.

Common Uses

Maple wood is prized for its durability, strength, and fine grain, making it ideal for a wide range of uses. It's commonly used in furniture, flooring, and cabinets for its clean, attractive finish. In musical instruments, maple is popular for guitar necks, violins, and drums due to its tonal qualities. It’s also used in cutting boards, butcher blocks, and baseball bats for its hardness, as well as in recurve bows for its stiffness and flexibility.

Acer: A Botanical Marvel

  • The genus Acer was first described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. The Latin name "Acer" translates to "sharp" or "pointed," likely referring to the distinct shape of the maple leaves. The genus belongs to the family Sapindaceae, which includes other notable plants like lychees and horse chestnuts. Before recent classification adjustments, Acer was placed under its own family, Aceraceae, but molecular studies have since grouped it with Sapindaceae.
    Maples are mostly deciduous, although some evergreen species exist. They vary in size from small shrubs to towering trees over 150 feet tall. The leaves of maples are most commonly known for their distinct, lobed shape and opposite arrangement on the stems, although leaf forms can vary widely across species. The vibrant colors of Acer leaves, especially during autumn, make them highly valued in horticulture and landscaping.

  • Acer species are widespread, but they thrive particularly well in temperate regions. They are native to much of Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple), one of the most well-known species, is native to North America and is a major contributor to the vibrant autumn foliage for which regions like New England are famous.
    Maples adapt well to various climates, though they typically prefer well-drained soils and moderate sunlight. Species like Acer rubrum (Red Maple) are more tolerant of wetter environments, thriving in swamps and along riverbanks.

  • The genus Acer holds significant economic value due to its diverse applications. Perhaps the most well-known product is maple syrup, derived from the sap of the Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum). The tree is tapped in early spring, and the sap is collected and boiled down to create the syrup, a beloved natural sweetener.
    In addition to syrup, maple wood is highly prized for its strength and beauty. Hard maple, particularly from species like Acer saccharum and Acer nigrum, is used for a wide variety of products, including furniture, flooring, musical instruments, and sports equipment like bowling pins and baseball bats. The wood’s density and fine grain make it ideal for items that require durability and precision.
    Maple trees are also integral to urban landscaping. Their tolerance to different soil conditions and rapid growth make them popular choices for parks and streets. The vibrant autumn colors of species like Acer rubrum and Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) further enhance their appeal in ornamental horticulture.

  • Maples play an important role in their ecosystems. Their seeds, known as samaras, are a critical food source for birds and small mammals. The dense canopies of maple trees provide shade and shelter, while their extensive root systems help prevent soil erosion. Maples also contribute to the carbon cycle, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis.

  • In addition to their ecological and economic roles, maples have deep cultural significance. The maple leaf is a national symbol of Canada, featured prominently on the country's flag and coinage. In Japan, the practice of viewing maple leaves in autumn, known as momijigari, is a cherished cultural tradition.

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