There are approximately 150-200 different species of maple worldwide. Among those found in Europe, the sycamore maple is the most important variety for timber production and is considered one of the highest quality local hardwoods. However, the amount of European maple available is rather limited compared to North American varieties, which is why the wood is often imported from other continents.
Maple wood is used in the production of chipboard, veneers, parquet flooring and toys, as well as in fine carpentry, such as furniture making.
This wood is characterised by its light colour, medium density and good mechanical strength, as well as its lack of a strong odour. It is resistant to compression, has moderate bending stiffness and is well suited to modelling. It dries quickly, has a low tendency to shrink, but may discolour. It is only suitable for indoor use, as it does not tolerate exposure to atmospheric agents well.
Main source of description
Material-Archiv. Ahorn. Material-Archiv.
Other sources
Natterer, J., Volz, M., Volz, M., & Herzog, T. (2001). Atlante del legno ([rist.]). UTET.
