HARD MAPLE

Somerset's Appalachian Advantage:

Some of the finest lumber in the world comes from the Appalachian Mountain region of the U.S., where Somerset is strategically located. The lumber is considered superior because of the benefits inherent in the location and the land. The climate is a main factor in producing the naturally superior quality. The slower growth of trees results in high growth rings, consistent grains, and strong fibers that lead to strength, durability, and beauty.

Common Uses:

Hard maple is commonly used for furniture, sporting goods (baseball bats, etc.), piano components, paneling, residential and specialty flooring (bowling alleys, basketball courts), joinery, plywood and veneers, doors, mouldings, tabletops, stairs, handrails, and more.

Visual Properties:

The sapwood of maple is a creamy white color with hints of reddish brown. The heartwood ranges from light to dark reddish brown and can have a higher occurance of darker brown heartwood depending on the growing region. Both the sapwood and heartwood may contain pitch fleck. The texture is fine and even with generally straight grain, but can vary into grain figures known as "birds-eye", "curly", and "fiddleback."

Working Properties:

Maple machines well (pre-boring is recommended when nailing and/or screwing), it glues and stains satisfactorily and can be polished to an excellent finish. It is excellent for turning.

Physical Properties:

Hard maple has a Janka Hardness Rating of 1450 (compared to red oak at 1290). Maple is a heavy wood that is hard and strong and is particularly resistant to abrasion and wear. It has good steam bending characteristics.