Compare woods
Put species head to head to decide between them.
Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)Soft Maple
| Property | Hard Maple (Sugar Maple) Acer saccharum | Soft Maple Acer rubrum (and others) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Cost | $$$ · Premium | $$ · Moderate |
| Hardness | 1450 lbf | 950 lbf |
| Workability | Fair | Good |
| Seasonal movement | Medium | Medium |
| Outdoor-friendly | No | No |
| Origin | Domestic (North America) | Domestic (North America) |
| Commonly built | Butcher-block countertops, Cutting boards, Workbench tops, Bowling alley lanes, Drum shells | Painted cabinets, Kitchen tables, Picture frames, Turned bowls, Children's furniture |
| Overview | Dense, pale, and extremely tough. The standard for butcher blocks, workbenches, and anything that takes a beating. | Hard maple's more affordable, easier-working relative. Still plenty strong for most furniture, at a friendlier price. |