The maple & maple wood
Who doesn't know this deciduous tree? The maple is known for many things, such as its classic leaf shape, which everyone probably recognizes; among children, it's known for its "propeller seeds"; among gourmets, it's known for its maple syrup; and among gardeners, it's known for its many varieties and versatility.
Without a doubt, the maple is one of my favorite trees – which you can of course also see in my garden.
- Habitus of a sycamore maple
Species, distribution & location
There are approximately 100–200 species of maple, although the exact number is not entirely clear. Their distribution area extends across Europe, North and Central America, North Africa, and Asia.
Sycamore maple, Norway maple, and field maple are predominant in European forests. These species are found in mixed forests up to the tree line, but are also popular in parks, avenues, and gardens.
In gardens, you can also often find small-growing Japanese maples or special varieties with blood-red or mottled leaves, such as the blood maple or the white-variegated Norway maple.
The most well-known maple species in Europe are:
- Sycamore maple
- Norway maple
- field maple
- Various Japanese maples
- Ash-leaved maple
- Sugar maple
- Japanese maple
Growth & Age
In the wild, maples are usually single-stemmed with a round, spreading crown.
In younger years, the bark of maples tends to be smooth and gray; in advanced years, the bark tends to be gray-brown and cracked. In sycamore maples, it's mottled and flaking.
Maples can live up to 500 years.
Maple wood
General information about maple wood
Due to its properties, maple wood is used primarily indoors.
It is considered one of the most valuable hardwoods. Sapwood and heartwood are usually very similar—there are, of course, exceptions, as there are also trees with a darker heartwood (so-called heartwood maple).
Maple wood is usually yellowish white to white and is considered a medium-weight wood due to its wood density.
Although it's considered a hard wood, maple is elastic and tough. Its surface lends itself exceptionally well to processing (e.g., turning ), polishing, staining, or dyeing.
The only downside to maple wood, in my opinion, is that with regular exposure to sunlight, the wood gradually changes color from light or white to yellow—but that's just the way wood is—a natural material.
Use of maple wood
Maple wood is mainly used in furniture making and interior design.
Simple, calm grains, rare block grains as well as the “wild” grains of heartwood maple are used.
Due to its favorable chemical properties, hardness and fine porosity, maple is often used for the following everyday areas:
- Solid wood furniture & furniture veneers
- cladding
- Inlays, cabinetmaking
- Table tops, staircase construction, parquet
- Turning , carving, sculpture
- Wooden toys & kitchen utensils
My conclusion & my opinion on maple & maple wood
For me, the maple is one of the most diverse and beautiful native deciduous trees.
There are so many different leaf shapes and growth forms that sometimes you would hardly suspect that it is a maple.
I particularly like the impressive autumn colours of the foliage – whether red, yellow or orange – all leaf colours are represented here.
I also really enjoy using maple wood for woodturning . Some woodturners have a reputation for maple being too quiet or boring.
However, I believe that's precisely what makes the wood so charming. The smell of the wood when turning is also unique, with an unmistakable, sweet aroma.
I also find the rare grain of the figured maple particularly beautiful.
This anomaly in maple wood only occurs in about 3% of cases and isn't actually visible on the outside of the tree. Therefore, it's only when the wood is cut open that you realize the piece is maple with a swirl pattern.
The wood displays shimmering or reflective “stripes” across the grain, which shimmer and shine depending on the incidence of light.
Curious? Then check out all the maple wood products in my online shop.
Photo gallery - Maple wood products
