The question of whether silver maple is a hardwood often sparks debate, even among experienced woodworkers. The answer, however, is a definitive yes, silver maple is classified as a hardwood. But understanding why requires a closer look at how hardwoods are defined.
What Makes a Hardwood a Hardwood?
Contrary to popular belief, the terms "hardwood" and "softwood" don't refer to the actual hardness of the wood. Instead, they are based on the botanical classification of the trees.
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Hardwoods come from angiosperms, flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruits. These trees generally grow more slowly, resulting in denser wood with a more intricate grain pattern. Think of oak, maple, cherry, and walnut – all hardwoods known for their strength and durability.
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Softwoods, on the other hand, come from gymnosperms, cone-bearing trees that produce unenclosed seeds. These trees tend to grow faster, resulting in softer, less dense wood with a simpler grain pattern. Examples include pine, fir, and cedar.
Since silver maple trees ( Acer saccharinum) are flowering plants that produce seeds encased in fruits (samaras, the familiar helicopter seeds), they fall squarely into the angiosperm category, making them hardwoods.
Why the Confusion? Janka Hardness Scale
The confusion stems from the fact that silver maple is relatively soft compared to other hardwoods like oak or hickory. The Janka hardness scale, which measures the resistance of wood to denting and wear, places silver maple on the lower end of the hardwood spectrum. However, this doesn't change its botanical classification. It's still a hardwood, just a softer one.
What does the softness of silver maple mean for its use?
While its lower Janka hardness makes it less suitable for applications requiring extreme durability like flooring in high-traffic areas, it doesn't diminish its value. Silver maple's softness makes it a desirable wood for:
- Carving: Its ease of carving makes it a popular choice among wood carvers.
- Turning: Its smooth texture and ability to hold detail are well-suited for lathe work.
- Musical instruments: Its resonant properties make it suitable for certain parts of instruments.
- Furniture: While not ideal for high-stress furniture pieces, it's often used for less demanding applications.
Other Maple Varieties: Are they all hardwoods?
Yes, all maple varieties are classified as hardwoods. While they vary in hardness and grain, they all share the common characteristic of being derived from angiosperm trees. Different maple species, like sugar maple (harder) and red maple (similar to silver maple in hardness), offer different properties for various woodworking applications.
Is silver maple good for outdoor use?
Silver maple's lower durability makes it less than ideal for exterior applications where it will be exposed to the elements. While it can be used outdoors with proper treatment, it's generally not recommended for projects that will experience prolonged moisture exposure. Other hardwood species are better suited for such applications.
What are the key differences between silver maple and other hardwoods?
The main difference lies in its Janka hardness. Silver maple is significantly softer than many other hardwoods, making it easier to work with but less durable. Its grain pattern is also relatively straight compared to the more figured grain of some other hardwoods.
This comprehensive overview clarifies the classification of silver maple and addresses common misconceptions surrounding hardwood definitions. Remember, botanical classification, not hardness, dictates whether a wood species is a hardwood or softwood.
