What is Soft Maple?
Soft maple is a term that refers to several different species of maple, such as big leaf, silver, and red maple, in an effort to differentiate between soft and hard maples. Where soft maple refers to several types of maple, hard maple refers to only one: the sugar maple.
Each species of soft maple has its own characteristics, but overall is softer than hard maple. It is native to North America and usually grows up to 80 feet tall.
Soft maple closely resembles hard maple, but is just a touch darker. Soft maple sapwood is a grayish white color with darker flecks throughout and the heartwood is typically a reddish brown in color. It has a straight grain with a fine texture.
Why Choose Soft Maple?
Soft maple closely resembles hard maple and is quite a bit more cost effective. This makes it a good alternative to hard maple in many instances.
It is easily worked and needs no fillers for a smooth finish. Soft maple makes both durable and beautiful furniture and its light, even sapwood is often sought after for many types of woodworking projects.
Despite its name, soft maple is harder than many other hardwoods, such as poplar. It is known for its versatility, often being used in cutting boards, drawer boxes, paneling, millwork, kitchen cabinets, doors, musical instruments, and much more.
Soft Maple in Woodworking
Soft maple machines and finishes well. Done well, it can take a stain, but often turns out blotchy so stain is usually avoided. It also, turns, and planes well and takes nails, screws, and glue satisfactorily. The drying process takes a long time, but usually shows minimal degrade.
Soft maple is very durable and moves very little in finished product. It is often used as an economically friendly substitute for hard maple and can also be stained to look like other, more expensive hardwoods, such as cherry.
Like the look? Contact us to get started on your own custom woodworking project using soft maple.