• Curly Maple Hardwood Lumber
1 1

Maple - Curly 3/4" Thickness by the Piece

Maple - Curly 3/4" Thickness by the Piece

$13.95 USD
$13.95 USD
Sale Sold Out
Size

Curly Maple showcases a striking three-dimensional grain pattern—the "curl"—that creates visual depth and movement in the wood. Prized for musical instruments like violin backs and sides, this distinctive figuring brings character to fine woodworking projects. Our Curly Maple is sourced from Hard Maple rather than the more common Soft Maple variety, delivering enhanced depth and a superior natural sheen due to hard maple's greater light-reflecting properties.

View full details
Origin Northeastern North America, Upper Midwest
Janka Hardness 1,450 lbf
Average Weight 3.67 lbs/bf
Color Features a distinctive curly figure — rippled grain creates a three-dimensional visual effect along the board's length; also known as fiddleback maple, referencing its historic use in violin construction.

Working Characteristics

  • Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though slightly more difficult than soft maple due to hard maple’s higher density. Curly figure can tearout and therefore is best to use sharp tools or sand to final dimension. Maple has a tendency to burn when being machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. Turns, glues, and finishes well, though blotches can occur when staining, and a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even color.

Species Specifications

Botanical Name Acer saccharum
Other Names Curly maple, fiddleback maple, tiger maple, flamed maple, rippled maple
Origin Northeastern North America, Upper Midwest
Average Weight 3.67 lbs/bf
Janka Hardness 1,450 lbf
Pore Structure diffuse porous
Grain / Texture Grain is generally curly, but may be wavy. Has a fine, even texture.
Rot Resistance Rated as non-durable to perishable, and susceptible to insect attack.

Hardness Compared to Other Woods

See where Curly maple, fiddleback maple, tiger maple, flamed maple, rippled maple falls on the Janka hardness scale compared to other familiar hardwoods.

1,450 lbf
Softer Harder
1,450 lbf
Basswood 410
Cherry 950
Walnut 1010
Red Oak 1290
Hard Maple 1450
Hickory 1820
Purpleheart 2520

The Janka hardness rating measures resistance to denting and wear. Higher numbers generally indicate a harder, denser wood.

Technical Properties
Shrinkage Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 9.9%, Volumetric: 14.7%, T/R Ratio: 1.9
Modulus of Rupture 15,800 lbf/in2
Elastic Modulus 1,830,000 lbf/in2
Crushing Strength 7,830 lbf/in2

Why Woodworkers Choose Capital Hardwood

✓
Carefully Selected

We prepare boards with real woodworking projects in mind.

✓
Surfaced Four Sides

S4S lumber saves shop time and is ready for your next project.

✓
Ships Nationwide

Order premium hardwood and have it shipped directly to your home or shop.

✓
Real Woodworkers

We know these materials because we work with them every day.