SCIENTIFIC NAME(s):

Acer saccharum, Acer nigrum

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COMMON NAME(s):

Hard Maple, Northern Hard Maple, Rock Maple, Sugar Maple, Black Maple. Ambrosia Maple

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Hard Maple includes Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and Black Maple (Acer nigrum). Sugar Maple is also known as Hard and Rock Maple, and Black Maple as Black Sugar Maple.

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Nothing else compares to Hard Maple's alluring combo of clean white color, smooth grain, and incredible strength. The sapwood is a creamy white with a slight reddish brown tinge, and the heartwood varies from light to dark reddish brown. Hard Maple has a close, fine, uniform texture and is generally straight-grained.

 

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION:

Eastern U.S., mainly the Middle Atlantic and Great Lake states, which together account for about two-thirds of production. It is a cold-weather tree favoring a more northerly climate. Hard Maple from the North shows higher sapwood content and a brighter sapwood shade versus Hard Maple from Appalachian & Central regions. Hard Maple is not commercially available from the South.

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

Hard Maple is heavy, strong, stiff and hard, with good strength properties and high shrinkage. It has high resistance to abrasion, shock and wear and has good steam-bending properties. It is roughly 7 to 13 cm or more (3 to 5 in. or more) wide. The grain of Sugar Maple is generally straight, but Birdseye, Curly, or Fiddleback grain is often selected for furniture or novelty items.

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WORKING PROPERTIES:

Hard maple dries slowly with high shrinkage, so it can be susceptible to movement in performance. Pre-boring is recommended when nailing and screwing. With care, it machines well, turns well, glues satisfactorily and can be stained to an outstanding finish. The wood polishes well and is suitable for enamel finishes and brown tones.

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ALTERNATIVES:

Soft Maple, White Birch, Yellow Birch, Beech

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COMMON USES:

Hard Maple is used principally for lumber and veneer. A large proportion is manufactured into flooring, furniture, cabinets, cutting boards and blocks, pianos, billiard cues, handles, novelties, bowling alleys, dance and gymnasium floors, spools, and bobbins.

 

GRADE:

NHLA Standard Grade Rules

 

 

Crafting American Patriotic & Commemorative Flags

For Military Veterans, First Responders & Other Patriots

Made by American Veterans

Using Strictly American Materials

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