Bigleaf Maple
Scientific name: Acer macrophyllum
Overview
Bigleaf Maple is the largest maple species native to North America and is commonly found in the coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest. The tree is known for its massive leaves, which can grow over a foot across, giving the species its common name.
The wood is similar in appearance to other maples but tends to be slightly lighter in density than Hard Maple. It ranges in color from creamy white to light golden brown and typically has a fine, even texture.
Bigleaf Maple is highly valued by woodworkers because it frequently produces figure patterns such as curly, quilted, or fiddleback grain. These figured boards are especially sought after for musical instruments and decorative woodworking.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Bigleaf Maple
- Scientific Name: Acer macrophyllum
- Region: North American Hardwoods (Pacific Northwest – Western United States & Canada)
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 2–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft³ (545 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 850 lbf
- Color: Creamy white to light golden brown
- Grain: Typically straight, sometimes wavy or figured
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Bigleaf Maple is generally identified by its light color and smooth, even grain. The wood often appears similar to other maple species but may show more variation in grain pattern due to the frequent occurrence of figured wood.
Highly figured boards displaying curly, quilted, or fiddleback patterns are particularly prized.
Key identification traits include:
- Creamy white to light golden color
- Straight grain with occasional figure
- Fine, even texture
- Subtle growth rings
- Sometimes displays curly or quilted figure
Working Properties
Bigleaf Maple is considered easy to work with both hand and machine tools. The wood cuts cleanly and turns well on a lathe, making it a popular material for turning and carving.
Because of its moderate hardness, it holds detail well while still being relatively easy to machine.
- Machines easily
- Turns well on the lathe
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Stable when properly dried
Safety Note
Wood dust from maple species may cause mild respiratory irritation in some individuals. Standard dust protection should be used when machining or sanding the wood.
Common Uses
Bigleaf Maple is widely used for both decorative and functional woodworking projects.
Common uses include
- Furniture
- Musical instruments
- Veneer
- Carving
- Turned objects
- Cabinetry
- Decorative woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Bigleaf Maple grows abundantly in the forests of the Pacific Northwest and is commonly harvested from managed forests. The species regenerates readily and is not considered threatened.
Highly figured pieces of Bigleaf Maple can command premium prices in specialty lumber markets.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Hard Maple – A denser and harder maple species commonly used for flooring and butcher blocks.
Red Maple – A widespread eastern species with similar appearance but slightly softer wood.
Silver Maple – Typically lighter and softer than Bigleaf Maple.
Related Guides
Understanding Wood Shrinkage Values – Learn how radial, tangential, and volumetric shrinkage affect wood movement, dimensional stability, and long-term performance in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and woodworking projects.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Proper drying and moisture control are essential for maintaining stability in woodworking projects.
Maple vs. Oak
Explore Maple vs. Oak for a practical comparison of these major hardwood groups and their performance in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and general woodworking.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Bigleaf Maple is highly prized by collectors when it exhibits figured grain patterns such as curly, quilted, or fiddleback figure. These unusual grain patterns can create striking visual effects in finished wood products.
Small figured boards and turning blanks are commonly kept in collections because they represent one of the most decorative maple species in North America.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
https://amzn.to/4v1EYSZ
• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
https://amzn.to/43SZ9rt
• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
https://amzn.to/4xK5yTj
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