WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Also known as: European Maple, Plane Maple
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (4,493 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 640 kg/m³ (40 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.58
- Type
- Hardwood
- Grain
- Usually straight, occasionally wavy or curly
- Texture
- Fine to medium
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack
- Region
- Europe
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Not listed in CITES, widely available but considered invasive in North America
Overview
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.
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
Glues well with standard wood adhesives
Finishing
Takes stains and finishes evenly and beautifully
Steam Bending
Good steam bending characteristics
Scent
No characteristic odor
Assessment
Strengths
- Good strength properties
- Attractive pale color
- Stable in service
- Accepts finishes well
Weaknesses
- Not durable outdoors
- Can dull cutting tools moderately
- Limited commercial availability
- Invasive in some regions
Common Uses
Furniture · Flooring · Musical instruments · Turned items · Interior joinery · Veneer