Wood is broadly categorized as either hardwood or softwood. Understanding these classifications involves looking beyond a wood’s perceived density and into its botanical origins.
Understanding Wood Classification
The primary difference between hardwoods and softwoods lies in their botanical classification, not necessarily their physical hardness. Hardwoods originate from angiosperm trees, which are flowering plants that typically have broad leaves and shed them annually. Conversely, softwoods come from gymnosperm trees, which are usually conifers with needles and cones, remaining evergreen. This botanical distinction forms the basis for wood classification.
The Janka hardness scale measures a wood’s resistance to indentation. This standardized test determines the force required to embed a small steel ball, specifically 0.444 inches in diameter, halfway into a wood sample. The result, expressed in pounds-force (lbf), indicates a wood’s density and durability against dents and scratches. The Janka rating is particularly useful for applications like flooring.
Maple: A True Hardwood
Maple is definitively classified as a hardwood. Botanically, maple trees (genus Acer) are angiosperms, meaning they are flowering plants that are also deciduous, shedding their leaves seasonally.
Different maple species exhibit varying degrees of hardness, reflected in their Janka ratings. Sugar maple, often called hard maple, is among the densest domestic hardwoods, with a Janka rating of approximately 1,450 lbf. Red maple is softer at around 950 lbf, and silver maple is typically rated about 700 lbf.
For context, red oak, a popular hardwood for flooring, has a Janka rating of around 1,290 lbf, while white oak is 1,360 lbf. Softwoods like Eastern white pine are less dense, with a Janka rating of about 380 lbf. These comparisons highlight maple’s position as a robust and durable wood within the hardwood category.
Practical Applications of Maple Wood
Maple’s inherent properties, including its hardness, density, fine grain, and light color, make it highly suitable for numerous practical applications. Its durability and resistance to wear lead to its frequent use for flooring in high-traffic environments, such as homes, offices, and sports courts like basketball courts and bowling alleys.
Beyond flooring, maple is a favored material for furniture and cabinetry, valued for its strength and clean aesthetic. Its density and resonance also make it a common choice in musical instrument manufacturing, used for guitar necks and bodies, and in the construction of violins, violas, cellos, and mandolins.
Its toughness is also utilized in products requiring high impact resistance, such as butcher blocks and baseball bats. Hard maple is preferred for maximum durability, while softer varieties are used when easier workability is desired.