Considering maple wood for your next project? Known for its durability, smooth texture, and attractive grain, maple is a favorite among furniture makers and DIY enthusiasts alike. Understanding its price is essential to getting the best value for your budget. This guide breaks down current maple wood prices, helping you make informed, confident shopping decisions—whether you’re planning a renovation or a small craft.
Types, Variations, and Applications of Maple Wood: Price Comparison
Understanding the different variations of maple wood and their pricing is essential for making cost-effective decisions. Prices fluctuate depending on wood type (hard or soft maple), grade, thickness, and unique figure or special characteristics. See the comparative table below for a high-level overview:
| Maple Type & Grade | Thickness (4/4 = 1″) | Typical Price Per Board Foot (USD) | Notable Features | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Maple (FAS Select) | 4/4, 5/4, 8/4, 12/4 | $8.00 – $16.00 | Fine grain, uniform color, minimal defects | Furniture, cabinetry, flooring |
| Hard Maple (Quartersawn) | 4/4, 8/4 | $10.00 – $13.00 | Stable, decorative fleck, premium appearance | High-end panels, table tops |
| Hard Maple (Birdseye) | 4/4, 5/4, 8/4 | $5.50 – $35.00+ | Figure with small “eye” patterns | Instruments, specialty furniture |
| Hard Maple (Curly/Tiger) | 4/4, 8/4 | $12.00 – $25.00+ | Wavy, chatoyant grain | Decorative work, guitars |
| Soft Maple (FAS Select) | 4/4, 5/4, 8/4, 12/4 | $7.00 – $13.00 | Slightly softer, easy to work, subtle grain | Millwork, panels, carving |
| Soft Maple (Tiger/Spalted) | 4/4 – 16/4 | $9.00 – $26.00+ | Wild grain figures, spalted coloration | Artistic projects, accents |
| Ambrosia Maple | 4/4, 8/4 | $6.10 – $8.10 | Streaks, mineral marks | Rustic furniture, turning |
| Curly Maple (Soft) | 4/4 | $16.00 | Intense curl, softer than hard maple | Musical instruments, fine boxes |
Prices shown represent current ranges and can shift with market trends, region, volume, and grade.
Everyday Usage of Maple Wood
Where Maple Wood Excels
Maple wood stands out as one of the most versatile and widely used hardwoods in both home improvement and professional woodworking. Common applications include:
- Furniture: Maple’s durability and fine grain make it ideal for dining tables, chairs, bed frames, and dressers.
- Flooring: Hard maple is a top choice for residential and high-traffic commercial spaces due to its hardness and resistance to wear.
- Cabinetry & Millwork: Maple’s smooth grain and light color suit kitchen cabinets and custom millwork.
- Butcher Blocks & Countertops: Dense and food-safe, maple is often selected for cutting boards and butcher blocks.
- Musical Instruments: Specialty grades (e.g., curly, birdseye) are used in guitars, violins, and drums for their unique grain and acoustics.
- Turning & Carving: Both hard and soft maple are excellent for turning bowls, pens, and carved decor.
- Panels & Veneers: Maple plywood and veneer provide a consistent, attractive surface for cabinetry and furniture panels.
Key Benefits of Choosing Maple Wood
Durability & Strength
- Hard maple boasts a Janka hardness of 1450, making it among the strongest domestic hardwoods. Furniture and flooring crafted from hard maple resist dents and scratches.
Workability
- Both hard and soft maple can be machined, turned, glued, and finished to a high standard. Soft maple, in particular, is easier to carve and mill, while hard maple adds longevity and toughness.
Visual Appeal
- Maple’s tight, even grain and light, creamy color offer a classic look that takes stain and finish beautifully. Specialty grades with figure (curly or birdseye) add visual interest.
Sustainability
- North American maples are responsibly harvested and widely available, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Versatility
- From contemporary interiors to rustic projects, maple’s clean appearance adapts well to any design requirement.
How to Choose the Right Maple Wood for Your Project
Selecting the correct type, thickness, and grade of maple wood ensures lasting quality and value for your next project. Here’s how to make an informed choice:
1. Determine the Correct Species
- Hard Maple (Acer saccharum, “Sugar Maple”): Best for maximum strength and durability. Choose for flooring, cabinets, and wear-prone surfaces.
- Soft Maple (multiple species): Slightly softer, more workable, typically less expensive, and versatile for most furniture, turning projects, and millwork.
2. Pick the Right Grade
- Select & Better (Sel&Btr) or First and Seconds (FAS): These are the premium grades, with minimal defects, consistent color, and uniform grain.
- Common Grades: Suitable for utility work, painted applications, or projects where minor defects are acceptable.
- Figured Grades: Birdseye, curly, quilted, and spalted maples cost more but offer unique grain for specialty work.
3. Choose the Proper Thickness
- 4/4 (1” rough, ~13/16″ finished): Most common for standard furniture components and general woodworking.
- 5/4, 6/4, 8/4: Thicker stock for legs, larger tabletops, or special shaping.
- Project-specific sizes: Turning blanks, S4S (surfaced four sides), or custom-milled for your needs.
4. Match the Application to Maple Wood Properties
- Flooring, Countertops: Opt for hard maple, FAS grade, thicker boards.
- Turning, Carving: Soft maple may be preferable for easier shaping.
- Decor & Musical Instruments: Select figured grades for stunning visual impact.
5. Budget Considerations
- Specialty grades and thicker boards cost more.
- Buying in volume often yields price breaks (e.g., discounts per board foot for large purchases).
- Regional availability and shipping costs can also impact final price.
User Tips and Best Practices for Maple Wood Shopping and Use
Buying Maple Wood
- Inspect Before Buying: Look for uniform color, straightness of boards, minimal warping or checking, and, in figured grades, consistent pattern.
- Understand Board Foot Pricing: Most hardwood is sold by the board foot (1” thick x 12” wide x 12” long = 1 board foot). Calculate your project needs accordingly and factor in 10-15% for waste.
- Surfacing Options:
- Rough (unsurfaced): Cheapest, but requires more milling.
- S2S (surfaced two sides): Faces planed, edges rough—balance of value/ease.
- S4S (surfaced four sides): Ready to use, best for convenience, often priced slightly higher.
- Buy a Little Extra: Maple boards can contain internal defects; overestimating board footage prevents shortages.
Working with Maple
- Tool Sharpness: Maple’s density can dull tools quickly. Maintain sharp blades for clean, burn-free cuts.
- Machining: Avoid excessive feed rates on saws and routers to prevent burning the wood.
- Finishing: Maple can blotch when stained—use pre-stain conditioners or gel stains for best results.
- Acclimate Before Use: Let maple wood acclimate to your project environment for several days to minimize movement after installation.
Storing Maple Wood
- Dry, Stable Location: Keep maple lumber in a moisture-controlled space to prevent warping or checking.
- Flat Support: Stack with stickers (spacers) between boards and weight on top to keep boards flat.
Technical Features & Specifications Comparison Table
Here’s a side-by-side look at technical attributes, grade availability, and physical qualities of popular maple variations:
| Feature/Type | Hard Maple | Soft Maple | Curly Maple | Birdseye Maple | Ambrosia Maple |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 1450 | 950–1150 | 1450 (same as hard) | 1450 (same as hard) | 950–1150 |
| Density (lbs/ft³) | 44 | 39–42 | 44 | 44 | 39–42 |
| Workability | Medium, burns easily | Easy-moderate | Medium, some tear-out | Medium, burns easily | Easy-moderate |
| Typical Grain | Straight/fine | Straight/fine/subtle | Highly figured | Birdseye patterns | Streaked, marked |
| Color | Creamy white, light yellow | Off-white, slightly gray/tan | Creamy, but chatoyant | Creamy, with eyes | Creamy, with streaks |
| Price Range/Bdft (USD) | $8.00 – $16.00 | $7.00 – $13.00 | $12.00 – $25.00+ | $12.00 – $35.00+ | $6.10 – $8.10 |
| Best For | Floors, cabinets | Furniture, carving | Instrument, specialty | Guitars, accents | Rustic furniture |
| Regional Availability | US/Canada East, Midwest | US, Canada, widespread | Scattered | Rare, select regions | US, common |
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Conclusion
Maple wood remains an industry standard for durable, attractive, and versatile hardwood. With countless varieties and grades to match nearly every woodworking need, it offers unmatched adaptability—from rugged flooring to refined furniture. Understanding key differences between types, grades, thicknesses, and pricing structures ensures you choose the right maple product for your project and budget.
Whether you’re a hobby woodworker or sourcing materials for large-scale production, considering maple’s technical features, grade distinctions, and practical buying tips helps maximize your investment. Take advantage of bulk pricing when possible, select appropriate thickness and grade, and always acclimate your material before working.
FAQ
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What’s the difference between hard maple and soft maple?
Hard maple (Acer saccharum/Sugar Maple) is denser and stronger than soft maple, making it ideal for heavy-use applications like flooring and countertops. Soft maple includes various Acer species, is less dense, and easier to work—suitable for general furniture and millwork. -
How is maple lumber priced?
Maple lumber is typically priced by the board foot, with cost influenced by thickness, grade, figure, and whether the wood is surfaced or rough. Figured maples or thicker stock command higher prices. -
What is FAS or “Select & Better” grade?
FAS (First and Seconds) or Select & Better grades are the top categories, meaning minimal to no knots, uniform color, and the highest usability for visible projects. These grades cost more but yield the best results. -
Why do prices vary so much for figured maples like birdseye or curly maple?
Unique grain figures like birdseye, curly, or quilted are rare, and their striking appearance makes them desirable for decorative and specialty uses. Limited supply and high demand drive up their price. -
Is maple wood good for outdoor projects?
Maple is generally not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure, as it can absorb moisture and degrade. For exterior use, always seal thoroughly and consider more rot-resistant species if possible. -
Can I stain maple wood easily?
Maple can blotch when stained due to its fine, tight grain. For best results, use a pre-stain conditioner or switch to gel stains, and always test finishes on a scrap before applying to the entire piece. -
How do I calculate how much maple lumber I need?
Calculate your project’s requirements in board feet, and always add 10–15% for waste or mistakes. A board foot is a volume measurement: thickness (in inches) x width (in inches) x length (in feet) / 12. -
What is quartersawn maple and why is it desirable?
Quartersawn maple is cut perpendicular to the growth rings, resulting in more stable boards and sometimes unique figure (fleck). It’s sought after for stability and decorative effect but costs more. -
Where is most maple lumber sourced from?
Hard maple is primarily sourced from the Northeastern and Midwestern United States and Canada, due to mature forests and established lumber industries. -
Does buying more maple at once save money?
Yes, most lumber suppliers offer volume discounts. Buying 20, 50, or 100+ board feet can yield price breaks, lowering your cost per board foot.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the options, price points, and practical considerations for buying maple wood, making you a more confident and informed shopper.