Field Maple
Scientific Name: Acer campestre
Overview
Field Maple is a smaller European maple species known for its fine, even texture and pale coloration. While it does not reach the commercial prominence of Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), it is valued regionally for cabinetry, turning, and specialty woodwork.
It is a diffuse-porous hardwood with subtle growth ring definition and smooth surface appearance. Compared to Hornbeam, it is slightly less dense but still firm and durable for interior use.
Within the European hardwood cluster, Field Maple provides a fine-grained contrast to Oak and Ash.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Field Maple
- Scientific Name: Acer campestre
- Region: European Hardwoods (Europe & Western Asia)
- Tree Size: 40–60 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (670 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,120 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine and smooth
Identification Characteristics
Field Maple is identified by its light coloration and smooth, uniform texture. As a diffuse-porous species, it lacks the large earlywood pore bands seen in Oak or Ash.
Growth rings are subtle, and the grain pattern is generally understated.
Key identification traits include:
- Diffuse-porous structure
- Fine, even texture
- Pale cream coloration
- Subtle growth ring definition
- Moderate weight
Working Properties
Field Maple machines cleanly and works similarly to other temperate maples.
- Cuts and planes smoothly
- Sands to a fine finish
- Glues reliably
- Accepts stain moderately (may blotch without conditioner)
- Suitable for turning and carving
It performs best in interior applications due to limited decay resistance.
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Use proper dust control and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Field Maple common uses including:
- Small furniture pieces
- Cabinet components
- Turned objects
- Interior trim
- Carvings
Sustainability & Notes
Field Maple is widespread across Europe but is generally harvested in smaller quantities than Oak or Beech. It is often used in regional woodworking rather than large-scale commercial lumber markets.
Because of its smaller typical trunk size, wide clear boards are less common.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Hard Maple – A dense North American maple species widely used for flooring, butcher blocks, and furniture due to its strength and durability.
Sycamore Maple – A European maple species known for its light color and smooth grain, commonly used in furniture and musical instruments.
Red Maple – Another North American maple species with similar appearance but generally softer and easier to work than hard maple.
Related Guides
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained
Understand how changes in humidity cause wood to expand and contract, and how to design projects that prevent warping, cracking, and joint failure.
Identifying Wood by Grain Pattern
Its diffuse-porous structure contrasts clearly with ring-porous species like Oak and Ash.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Proper acclimation improves dimensional stability in furniture applications.
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
Field Maple samples should display a smooth, tight surface and light coloration. End grain will show small, evenly distributed pores typical of diffuse-porous hardwoods.
When cataloging, note similarity to other maple species and compare texture against Hornbeam for density reference.
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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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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.
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