SOFT MAPLE

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Not a distinct species of maple. Soft maple is a commercial term meant to differentiate the wood of some types of maple from Hard Maple. Depending on where you live, different species might be sold as soft maple. For instance, if you live in Northwest US, the soft maple that you buy (if it has been harvested locally) will likely be Bigleaf Maple, while those living in the eastern United States may actually be buying Red Maple or Silver Maple. Soft Maple is very similar to hard maple in most respects. Generally, the sapwood is greyish-white, sometimes with darker-colored pith flecks. The heartwood varies from light-to-dark reddish brown. The wood is usually straight-grained. The lumber is generally sold unselected for color.

WORKING PROPERTIES
The wood machines well and can be stained to an excellent finish. It glues, screws, and nails satisfactorily; it also polishes well and is suitable for enamel finishes and brown tones. It dries slowly with minimal degrade and there is little movement in performance.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Soft maple is about 25 percent less hard than hard maple, has medium-bending and crushing strength, and is low in stiffness and shock resistance. It has good steam-bending properties.

MAIN USES
Furniture, paneling and millwork, kitchen cabinets, moulding, doors, musical instruments, and turnings. It is often used as a substitute for hard maple or stained to resemble other species.