26 mm. ca 30 m3
52 mm. ca 30 m3
Hard maple versus soft Maple
Aesthetic and functional differences between hard and soft maple
Q.
We have been using hard maple for all of our maple kitchens and millwork
for years and now our lumber supplier is suggesting the use of soft
maple instead. What has been your experience when using soft maple? In a
related matter, I have an architectural spec calling up material for a
large run of cabinets as "hardwood" and in the subsequent color schedule
as "maple". Would you consider soft maple for such an application, and
would you ask for clarification before doing so? The cabinets have glass
doors with narrow little frames so I would rather use the soft maple for
reasons of warpage.
Forum Responses
You didn't mention whether the project was paint grade or clear finish.
Many of my fellow cabinetmakers and I use soft maple for paint grade
face frames and doors. It’s a lot harder and more stable than poplar,
while costing roughly the same. It also gives a better paint surface due
to its hardness.
The primary difference between hard and soft maple is obviously
hardness, but also color. The hard maple you buy should be 99% white
sapwood. The soft maple often comes in about 50-75% white sapwood with
the remainder being a gray/brown heartwood. This doesn't present a
problem if painting, but clear finish looks terrible.
The above response is on target. I'm not sure of the percentages, but
soft maple will vary in color and is not usually appropriate for a clear
finished job.
As far as the specs concerned, I would certainly verify the species if
possible, especially if you think you might go with soft maple.
You also mentioned using soft maple for muntins to avoid warpage. I
don't believe you'll get any improvement over hard maple in that regard.
I have been using soft maple for a while now and have had success with
it. While I wouldn't use it where a clear finish is called for, it takes
darker stains well. Prior to staining I use a simple shellac wash coat
to prevent any problems with blotching. I know for a fact, many large
cabinet manufacturers use it all the time in there maple cabinet lines.
Many of my customers want the look of cherry, but lately the price has
been prohibitive for many of them. I stain the SM to match a traditional
deep cherry fairly well.
