The Beauty and Wonders of Maple Hardwood

There is good reason why maple hardwood is chosen for use in furniture and other household items. Not only is it a durable hardwood, it is also a sustainable wood. Furniture made of maple should last beyond a lifetime. It only improves as it ages. Because of its hardness, skill is necessary for cutting and construction. Once it is fabricated into a desired piece of furniture the final finish can bring out the beauty of the wood itself.

Walnut And Birds-Eye Maple Chair by Neal Barrett Woodworking at CustomMade.com

Maple can be sanded to an unbelievably smooth finish that feels like satin to the touch. A hand rubbed sealer or translucent finish will make it look smooth as glass.

Bloom Table Set - Maple/Makore by Furniture by Design, available at CustomMade.com

Maple wood has a variety of grains. These are given distinction by cutting methods or the growth patterns of the tree. Curly maple, bird’s eye maple, and tiger maple are very prized in furniture making. The play of each pattern can make a private piece, such as a bedroom dresser, beautiful to see and a treasure to own.

Beidermeier Inspired Round Hall Tables by Woodward Woodworks at CustomMade.com

Living areas or offices look luxurious with solid or veneered pieces in these lovely patterns. They beg to be touched and examined with both hand and eye. Nature makes no two pieces exactly the same.

Curly Maple and Cherry Bench by Dogwood Design, available at CustomMade.com

The resonance of maple for musical instruments like guitars makes it a good choice for luthiers. Maple necks are very sturdy, and guitar bodies can be cut to show off incredible patterns which can increase the value of an instrument. A clear coat is all that is needed. There is little warping with maple so a tuned instrument will be a continuous pleasure to play. Carving, wood burning, and fine router design are fluid on maple products.

Swamp Ash Mahogany Drop Top Guitar by Snider Guitars at CustomMade.com

Old maple can be rescued and reused for all types of new things. Counter tops, cutting boards, tables, and chairs made from planed or lightly sanded, reclaimed maple wood may show some of the character marks of their history. Common things such as worm holes or the novelty of finding a syrup tap blemish can add stories and wonder to maple furniture. Maple is a proud yet humble wood that is timeless for the tiniest of trinket boxes to graceful mantles and entertainment centers.

Maple Burl Jewelry Box by Scott Dworkin Designs, available at CustomMade.com