hardwood · Acer rubrum
Red Maple wood properties
Also known as: soft maple.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Acer rubrum |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,640,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.61 |
| Density (approx) | 38 lb/ft³ (3.2 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 950 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 8.2% / 4% |
| Movement coefficient (CT / CR) | 0.00289 / 0.00137 |
| Region | Eastern North America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Red Maple weighs about 12.7 lb (roughly 38 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 950 lbf is harder than about 47% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: veneer, pulpwood, boxes, musical instruments, turned objects.
Durability: Offers poor decay resistance, ranging from non-durable to perishable.
Workability: Reasonably easy, though fast cutters may scorch it; turns, glues and finishes well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Red Maple:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). CT/CR from the FPL/Hoadley table where listed. Uses, region, durability, workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.