Scientific Name
Acer rubrum
Other Names
Red maple, swamp maple, scarlet maple, water maple
Family
Aceraceae, maple family
Geography
Native to eastern North America from central Florida to Newfoundland and from eastern Texas to the Atlantic coast. Most commonly found in swampy sites.
Properties
Soft maple has a fine texture and is porous with creamy white sapwood and light beige or tan-brown heartwood.
Workability
Soft maple is a very favorable wood to work with. It turns and planes well and requires no fillers in prepping the surface to accept finish. It also is very reliable due to its lower volumetric shrinkage.
Uses
Soft Maple is good for use in turning, kitchen utensils, toys, crates, pallets, furniture and cabinets.
Price Level
Widely available, lower price range
