Hard Maple Hardwood

Premium maple hardwood (Acer saccharum, also known as rock maple or sugar maple), a dense, durable domestic wood perfect for laser cutting, carving, furniture, and precision projects – ideal for makers, artisans, businesses, and designers!

Elevate your creations with our high-quality maple hardwood, renowned for its strength, durability, and excellent machining properties. Sourced from North American forests, maple features heartwood ranging from dark reddish-brown, varying by region, to white sapwood with a slight red or creamy hue. Its straight grain, occasionally displaying subtle curves or waviness, paired with a fine, even texture, delivers a clean, sophisticated aesthetic. MakerStock Hard Maple Hardwood is S4S (surfaced on all four sides), meticulously planed for a smooth, project-ready finish on 4½" widths. With a medium-high density (3.667 lbs/BF) and Janka hardness of 1450 lbs, it’s exceptionally sturdy yet easy to machine, glue, nail, or screw. Maple sands and stains beautifully for a flawless, even finish. Available in ¼" and ¾" nominal thicknesses, it’s ideal for cutting boards, instruments, and cabinetry. With $12 flat-rate shipping per 50lb box, it’s a robust choice for all your woodworking needs. Order now to craft enduring, high-quality pieces!

Why Buy from MakerStock?

• Premium Quality: S4S maple with a fine, even grain, high durability, and clean aesthetics (Janka hardness: 1450 lbs, density: 3.667 lbs/BF).

• Stock Selection: Available in nominal ¼" and ¾" thicknesses, 4½" widths, with stock lengths up to 36".

• Affordable and Fast Shipping: $12 flat-rate shipping per 50lb box across the continental US from our PA and UT warehouses.

• Knowledgeable and Reliable Customer Support: Reach out via email (support@makerstock.com), phone, or LiveChat for material selection or project questions.

• No Minimum Order Requirements: Whether you need one panel or a hundred, we cater to individuals, businesses, and schools.

Perfect For:

• Laser Cutting & Engraving: Produces precise cuts and crisp engravings with CO2 or diode lasers, ideal for detailed designs and signage.

• Cabinetry & Furniture: Strong and durable for cabinets, tables, chairs, or heirloom pieces with a clean, bright finish.

• Carving & Turnings: Fine grain and high density make it perfect for hand carving, relief work, or lathe-turned items like bowls, pens, or spindles.

• Musical Instruments: Exceptional for guitar necks, drum shells, or piano components due to its strength and resonance.

• Cutting Boards & Butcher Blocks: Hard, food-safe surface ideal for kitchen prep boards with lasting durability.

• Millwork & Mouldings: Craft custom trim, frames, or accents for a polished, professional look.

Project Inspiration:

• Makers: Laser-engrave maple for custom cutting boards with intricate monograms or geometric patterns. Craft layered wall art or puzzles showcasing its clean grain. Finish with food-safe oils for kitchenware or varnish for decor.

• Artisans: Hand-carve maple into detailed relief panels for furniture or turned rolling pins for culinary gifts. Create sculpted guitar necks or drum shells with a glossy, stained finish.

• Businesses: Produce laser-engraved corporate awards, business card holders, or branded retail displays with maple’s sturdy, bright aesthetic. Craft durable butcher blocks for restaurant kitchens or engraved signage for professional spaces.

• Hobbyists: Build guitar necks or percussion components with maple’s resonant qualities, or laser-cut stencils for wood-burning on keepsake boxes. Design scroll-saw inlays for custom furniture.

• Home Decor Enthusiasts: Craft minimalist wall shelves with carved maple edges or laser-engraved serving trays. Create durable butcher blocks or picture frames with a polished, natural finish.

• Event Planners: Design elegant laser-cut place cards or engraved wooden favors for weddings. Produce custom maple signage or carved table centerpieces for upscale events.

Explore Related Products:

• Cherry Hardwood: Pair with our warm, reddish cherry for contrasting tones in carving, laser cutting, or furniture accents, offering a vibrant, aging finish.

• White Oak Hardwood: Combine with our durable, water-resistant white oak for sturdy bases in mixed-material or outdoor projects.

• Walnut Hardwood: Use our rich, dark walnut for bold contrasts in decorative inlays or furniture designs.

• Basswood Hardwood: Incorporate our soft basswood for intricate laser cutting or carving details alongside maple’s strength.

Specifications:

• Material: Maple hardwood (Acer saccharum), S4S (surfaced on all four sides), sustainably sourced from North American forests.

• Nominal Thickness Options:

  • ¼" / 6mm (Typically between 0.220–0.260")

  • ¾" / 18mm (Typically between 0.700–0.760")

• Width: 4½" (114mm)

• Density: 3.667 lbs/BF (588 kg/m³)

• Finish: Smooth, planed on all sides; dark reddish-brown heartwood with white to slightly red/creamy sapwood; straight grain with occasional waviness and fine, even texture; no protective masking.

• Tolerances: Cut tolerance of ±0.118" for all panel dimensions (in inches).

• Workability: Medium-high density, durable, and dimensionally stable; easy to machine, glue, nail, or screw. Excellent sanding and staining for smooth, even finishes.

• Laser Compatibility: CO2 and diode laser compatible for cutting and engraving.

• Janka Hardness: 1450 lbs

Pro Tip:

For laser cutting, secure maple panels with a jig or tape to ensure precision, and use medium-high power due to its density for clean edges with minimal charring. For carving, use sharp tools and follow the grain to avoid tear-out around wavy areas. Sand progressively to 220-grit before applying stains or food-safe oils for a flawless, durable finish. Store panels flat in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to maintain stability.

FAQs:

• Why is it called hard maple? Hard maple refers to Acer saccharum (sugar or rock maple), prized for its high density and strength (Janka: 1450 lbs), distinguishing it from softer maple species like red or silver maple.

• Is maple good for laser cutting? Yes, its fine grain and density produce clean cuts and sharp engravings with CO2 or diode lasers, ideal for detailed designs.

• Is maple suitable for cutting boards? Absolutely, its high hardness (Janka: 1450 lbs) and food-safe properties make it a top choice for butcher blocks and kitchen prep surfaces.

• Can I stain maple? Yes, it takes stains well, though its tight grain may require a pre-stain conditioner for even absorption. Test finishes on scraps for best results.

• Is maple good for furniture? Yes, its strength and clean aesthetic are perfect for cabinets, tables, and chairs.

• Is maple suitable for instruments? Yes, its density and resonance make it ideal for guitar necks, drum shells, and other instrument components.

• Can I use a diode laser with maple? Yes, diode lasers cut and engrave maple effectively, though thicker pieces may need multiple passes due to its hardness. Check your laser’s settings.