Maple
Maple Wood – Properties, Uses & Special Features
Maple wood is one of the most popular native hardwoods, known for its light appearance, fine texture, and versatile applications – especially in furniture making and high-quality wooden toys.
Origin & Species
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Genus: Acer (maple)
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Distribution: Europe, North America, Asia
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Main species: Sycamore maple, Norway maple, Sugar maple
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Wood type: Hardwood, typically light-colored sapwood is used
Appearance & Structure
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Color: Creamy white to yellowish, sometimes slightly reddish
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Grain: Fine and even
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Surface: Smooth, well polishable, silky sheen
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Aging: Slight yellowing possible due to UV exposure
Technical Properties
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Medium to hard, approx. 30 N/mm² (Brinell) |
| Workability | Excellent for sanding, staining, and turning |
| Elasticity | Well-suited for flexible applications |
| Durability | Limited weather resistance – ideal for indoor use |
| Drying | Even, but risk of cracking if stored improperly |
Uses
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Furniture: Tables, dressers, shelves
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Musical instruments: Guitars, violins, drums
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Toys: Building blocks, puzzles, grasping toys
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Kitchenware: Wooden spoons, cutting boards
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Handcrafts: Turned objects, inlays
Advantages
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Light, friendly appearance
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Good strength & elasticity
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Pleasant texture, free from harmful substances
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Ideal for educational toys & learning materials
Disadvantages
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Not suitable for outdoor use
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Tends to yellow under direct sunlight
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Risk of cracking if dried improperly
Conclusion
Maple wood is a versatile, high-quality material that impresses with its aesthetics and technical properties. Especially in the field of educational toys, it offers ideal conditions – natural, durable, and child-safe.
