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Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum

Also known as: Soft Maple, River Maple, White Maple, Water Maple

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

Silver Maple wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
700 lbf (3,114 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
530 kg/m³ (33 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.47
Type
Hardwood
Grain
Usually straight, occasionally with attractive figure
Texture
Fine to medium
Durability
Non-durable, not suitable for outdoor use
Region
North America
Sustainability
Sustainable — Not listed in CITES, abundant and sustainably managed

Overview

Silver Maple is one of the soft maple species, offering easier workability than Sugar Maple but with reduced hardness and strength. Common throughout eastern North America, it provides an economical alternative to Hard Maple for applications where extreme hardness is not required. The wood can occasionally display attractive figured grain patterns.

Silver Maple has a dried weight of approximately 530 kg/m³ with Janka hardness of 700 lbf, significantly softer than Hard Maple. Heartwood is light to medium reddish-brown with lighter sapwood. Grain is usually straight but may display curly or quilted figure. Fine to medium texture with specific gravity of 0.47.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Low to moderate - easier on tools than Hard Maple

Gluing

Glues well with most adhesives

Finishing

Takes finishes well, though can be slightly blotchy without proper preparation

Steam Bending

Moderate steam bending properties

Scent

No characteristic odor

Assessment

Strengths

  • Easy to work
  • Lower cost than Hard Maple
  • Good availability
  • Can have attractive figure

Weaknesses

  • Lower hardness than Hard Maple
  • Not durable outdoors
  • Prone to warping if not dried carefully
  • Lower strength properties

Common Uses

Furniture · Boxes and crates · Pallets · Paper pulp · Veneer · Musical instruments