Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Also known as: Soft Maple, Swamp Maple, Scarlet Maple, Water Maple
Red Maple is one of the most common and widely distributed trees in eastern North America. As a soft maple, it offers an economical alternative to hard maple for furniture and cabinetry where extreme hardness is not required, though it lacks the density of its harder cousin.
Botanical Profile
Acer rubrum is a medium to large deciduous tree reaching heights of twenty to thirty meters. It thrives in various habitats from swamps to upland forests across eastern North America. The tree is named for its brilliant red fall foliage and red flowers in early spring.
Physical Properties
The heartwood is light reddish-brown with occasional grayish streaks. Density averages around five hundred forty kilograms per cubic meter when dried, with a Janka hardness of approximately nine hundred fifty pounds-force. The wood has a fine, even texture with closed pores and straight grain.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Low - generally easy on cutting edges
Gluing Advice
Good gluing properties with standard wood adhesives
Finishing
Excellent - accepts stains uniformly and finishes beautifully
Steam Bending
Fair to good steam bending characteristics
Historical Context
Red Maple has been utilized throughout American history for everyday woodworking applications. While less prized than hard maple or other premium hardwoods, its abundance and workability made it valuable for colonial furniture, tool handles, and utilitarian items. Today it remains widely used in commercial furniture production.
Technical Specs
Light reddish-brown heartwood, sometimes with grayish tones; pale sapwood
Sustainable and abundant throughout its range