Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Also known as: European Maple, Plane Maple
Norway Maple is a European hardwood with working characteristics similar to other maple species. While native to Europe and western Asia, it has become naturalized and invasive in parts of North America. The wood offers good strength and attractive appearance for furniture and interior applications, though it is less commonly available commercially than American maple species.
Botanical Profile
Acer platanoides is native to central and northern Europe and western Asia. Trees typically reach 20-30 meters in height with trunk diameters of 60-150 cm. It is widely planted as an ornamental shade tree but has become problematic as an invasive species in North America where it outcompetes native maples.
Physical Properties
Norway Maple has a dried weight of approximately 640 kg/m³ with Janka hardness of 1,010 lbf. The sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow while heartwood is slightly darker with a reddish tinge. Grain is usually straight but may show attractive wavy or curly figure. Texture is fine to medium with specific gravity of 0.58.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate - similar to other maples
Gluing Advice
Glues well with standard wood adhesives
Finishing
Takes stains and finishes evenly and beautifully
Steam Bending
Good steam bending characteristics
Historical Context
Norway Maple has been used for centuries in European furniture making and carpentry. Introduced to North America in the mid-1700s as an ornamental tree, it has since spread widely. While the timber is utilized where available, it is not a major commercial species due to competing native maple supplies.
Technical Specs
Creamy white to pale yellow sapwood, heartwood slightly darker with reddish tinge
Not listed in CITES, widely available but considered invasive in North America