Red Maple
Scientific name: Acer rubrum
Overview
Red Maple is one of the most widespread hardwood trees in North America and grows across much of the eastern United States and Canada. The species is highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of soil and climate conditions.
The wood is similar in appearance to Hard Maple but is slightly softer and lighter in weight. It typically displays a light cream to pale reddish-brown color and has a fine, uniform texture.
Red Maple is frequently used as a substitute for Hard Maple in furniture, cabinetry, and flooring due to its similar appearance and good working properties.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Red Maple
- Scientific Name: Acer rubrum
- Region: North American Hardwoods (Eastern United States & Canada)
- Tree Size: 40–100 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 950 lbf
- Color: Light cream to reddish brown, sometimes with subtle figure
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Red Maple wood is generally light in color with a smooth, even grain pattern. The wood may occasionally display subtle figure patterns, including curly or wavy grain.
Growth rings are usually visible but not as pronounced as those found in many oak species.
Key identification traits include:
- Creamy white to pale reddish-brown color
- Straight grain pattern
- Fine and even texture
- Subtle growth rings
- Sometimes displays curly figure
Working Properties
Red Maple is considered easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It machines cleanly and sands to a smooth finish, making it suitable for many woodworking applications.
- Machines easily
- Turns well on a lathe
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust from maple species may cause mild respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard dust protection is recommended when machining or sanding.
Common Uses
Red Maple is widely used in woodworking and interior applications.
Common uses include
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Veneer
- Turned objects
- Musical instruments
Sustainability & Notes
Red Maple is one of the most abundant hardwood species in eastern North America and regenerates readily in many forest environments. Because of its widespread distribution and rapid growth, the species is considered a sustainable timber resource.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Hard Maple – A denser maple species often used for flooring and butcher blocks.
Bigleaf Maple – A western maple species known for its figured grain.
Silver Maple – A softer maple species commonly used in general woodworking.
Related Guides
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.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Understanding how wood reacts to humidity changes helps maintain dimensional stability.
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.
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
Red Maple samples are often collected because the species represents one of the most common hardwoods in North American forests. Occasionally, boards with curly or figured grain appear, which can make attractive pieces for decorative woodworking or wood collections.
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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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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:
• RUITOOL Japanese Double Edge Ryoba Pull Saw for precise flush cuts, joinery, and detailed woodworking
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• 800W Compact Wood Router Tool Kit with 15-Piece Router Bit Set for trimming, edge work, and shaping wood surfaces
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• IRWIN Quick-Grip One-Handed Mini Bar Clamps for holding woodworking pieces securely during assembly and glue-ups
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