Maple wood is commonly used as lumber for a variety of projects. From fine furniture and cabinets to hardwood flooring and sports equipment, this wood’s characteristics and features make it a popular building material amongst makers of all kinds.
Over 100 species of maple wood exist. Generally speaking, maple is a desirable material for woodworking and other projects due to its consistent coloring, uniform grain pattern, high durability, and good compatibility with various finishes.
Maple Wood: The Basics
Naturally, the presence of so many species leads to a wide range of variations in appearance and attributes. However, woods in the maple family are largely classified under one of two general categories: hard maple or soft maple.
Since both hard maple and soft maple are harvested primarily from dicot trees, both types are technically categorized as hardwoods (such as oak or ash) as opposed to softwoods (like cedar or pine), which are less dense. Similarly, the ultimate difference between hard maple and soft maple lies in their density disparities. Hard maple is most often sourced from and referred to as sugar maple, while some examples of commonly used soft maple varieties include:
- Striped maple
- Silver maple
- Red maple
- Bigleaf maple
- Box elder
Because hard maple is estimated to be about 25 percent harder than soft varieties, this type is used more often as lumber for high-wear projects like flooring. And don’t be fooled by the “hard” and “soft” classifications mentioned—even soft maple is still harder than wood from a Douglas fir, southern yellow pine, or California redwood, for example.
Color Characteristics of Maple Wood
By now you know that lumber is widely available in countless colors and patterns, and the species of wood doesn’t necessarily dictate the color variation. One reason maple is frequently used in construction projects is that the color range for this species is relatively consistent, so even different species often have similar coloring, grain patterns, and undertones. The typical coloration leans toward a warm white with reddish-brown hues and a fine, straight wood grain.
Staining for Maple Color
Vermont Woods Studios describes exquisitely why many makers and woodworkers prefer maple wood as a structural material:
“Its unique color, smooth grain, and strength make maple a popular choice among woodworkers of all types. In its natural state, it can totally brighten a room, yet stained maple looks equally gorgeous and can be dressed up to suit any preferred style. Maple wood also tends to get chosen when durability is a concern because it can take a beating.”
As mentioned earlier, maple wood takes very well to stain and other finishes, despite its classification as a hardwood. As a result, makers have nearly unlimited color options when it comes to staining. If you want to accentuate maple wood’s natural palette, maple stain colors appropriately resemble maple syrup—picture a warm, cozy, and rustic brown.
Finishing Maple Wood vs. Finishing Maple Color
According to The Wood Database, overall maple wood “turns, glues, and finishes well,” although blotches can appear when staining due to its high density. Sometimes a wood conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be required to get the most even color. Oils and oil-based varnishes, on the other hand, tend to turn maple a sickly yellow color.
To achieve a specific look for your maple wood project using stain, we find the following tips from KraftMaid especially helpful:
- Light- and mid-tone stains with a reddish hue can give maple the look of cherry, while darker versions of red-based stains can mirror mahogany.
- Use deeper brown- or black-based stains for a maple look that resembles the appearance of natural walnut or ebony.
- Lighter stains leverage maple’s naturally light color to brighten a room.
Achieving a Warm and Elegant Maple Color
A prized and popular lumber source, maple is strong and versatile despite the existence of so many different species. Before staining or finishing your project, consider all the qualities of the wood, as finishing techniques for hard maple and soft maple may vary slightly. Stains can emphasize the wood’s unique grain and color, but they can also highlight blemishes, so be sure to execute proper prep before laying down a wood finish.
If you’re still unsure of the best finish or staining solution for your project, perhaps your current wood finish brand just isn’t cutting it. Know you’re partnering with a team that can take you all the way across the finish line by checking out our helpful guide on switching up your supplier.
