Hard Maple with a distinctive curly or tiger-stripe figure that creates alternating light and dark bands perpendicular to the grain. Color ranges from nearly white sapwood to light golden brown heartwood. The curly figure catches and reflects light, creating a rippled, three-dimensional appearance.
Scientific NameAcer saccharum
Other NamesCurly Maple
SourcesNorth America, USA, Canada
Grain / TextureTight, consistent curly figure with undulating grain that creates the classic tiger-stripe pattern. Fine, even texture with a natural luster. The curl depth and frequency vary — tighter curl is more prized.
WorkabilityFairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though slightly more difficult than Soft Maple due to Hard Maple’s higher density. Maple has a tendency to burn when being machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. Turns, glues, and finishes well, though blotches can occur when staining, and a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even color.
UsesFlooring (from basketball courts and dance-floors to bowling alleys and residential), veneer, paper (pulpwood), musical instruments, cutting boards, butcher blocks, workbenches, baseball bats, and other turned objects and specialty wood items.
AvailabilityModerately available. Curly figure occurs naturally in a small percentage of Hard Maple trees. Higher-grade tightly curled logs are less common.
