Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Genus: Acer · Family: Sapindaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
38 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
950 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
Light Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Easy
Availability
Common in U.S.
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Red Maple is harder than 34% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Medium
Overview
Professional Summary
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is a widely available soft maple species in North America. With a Janka hardness of 950 lbf — softer than Hard Maple but still respectable — it's used extensively for furniture, cabinetry, and millwork where slightly less hardness is acceptable.
In Plain English
Red Maple is the softer, more affordable cousin of Hard Maple. It's still a beautiful, versatile wood with a light, clean color — just not quite as hard. Great for furniture, cabinets, and craft projects where extreme hardness isn't needed.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Versatile choice for furniture, cabinetry, millwork, and veneer. More affordable alternative to Hard Maple.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Not as hard as Sugar Maple — avoid high-traffic flooring. Can blotch with oil-based stains.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
AI-powered alternative species matching
You Might Also Consider
Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar light brown color that are easily confused with Red Maple. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Harder (Janka 1,300 lbf)
- • Heavier (45 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Fine to medium
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Lighter (34 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Harder (Janka 2,335 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
