Maple Wood Guide 2026
Acer spp.
Typically described as strong and versatile domestic hardwood
Wood Appearance

Natural Grain

Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 45 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States;Canada
- Common uses include Flooring, Furniture, Cabinetry
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Fine
Workability: Machines cleanly but can burn; glues well.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: Blotches with pigment stains; use dye or conditioner.
Color change: Creamy white yellows with age.
Insect resistance: Susceptible
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Maple. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 10/4 | 2-1/2" | 2-1/4" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
| 12/4 | 3" | 2-3/4" | Random widths, typically 4–12 in. | Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 10/4rough 2-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 2-1/4"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
- 12/4rough 3"
- Surfaced
- 2-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths, typically 4–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths, typically 6–16 ft
Availability notes: Widely available; select for white sap-only boards where color matters.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Cream to reddish brown
Grain: Straight; fine texture
Common Uses
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Millwork
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Hard Maple;Soft Maple
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 1,450 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States;Canada
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Maple is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
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View comparisonMaple vs Beech
Both woods make outstanding workbenches. Maple is the better choice in North America due to availability and slightly superior hardness. Beech is preferred if you hand-plane your bench top regularly, as it works more easily. You genuinely cannot go wrong with either.
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View comparisonMaple vs Rosewood
This is almost entirely a matter of personal preference. Maple excels for bright, articulate styles and a modern look, while Rosewood is the go-to for warm, classic tone and feel. Most guitarists benefit from trying both — the best fretboard is the one that feels and sounds right under your fingers.
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