Thickness: 4/4 – 16/4

 

Grades: FAS/1F, Select & Better, 1 Common, 2 Common 

 

Other Common Names: River Maple, Silver Maple

 

General Description: In most respects the wood of soft maple is very similar to that of hard maple, although due to its widespread growth it may be more susceptible to regional color variations. Generally, the sapwood is greyish white, sometimes with darker colored pith flecks, and the heartwood varies from light to dark reddish brown. The wood is usually straight grained. The lumber is generally sold unselected for color.

 

Distribution: Wide distribution throughout Eastern USA, however, Pacific coast/big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) grows exclusively in the Pacific Northwest.

Availability is improving as demand increases in export markets.

 

Common Uses: Furniture, paneling, interior joinery, kitchen cabinets, moldings, doors, musical instruments, and turning. Soft maple is often used as a substitute for hard maple or stained to resemble other species such as cherry. Its physical and working properties also make it a possible substitute for beech.