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Birdseye Maple
Birdseye Maple is a rare figure in hard maple (Acer saccharum), prized for its tight, swirling “eyes” that give each board a one-of-a-kind look. Dense, stable, and remarkably workable, it machines cleanly, holds crisp detail, and takes dye or clear finishes to a luminous, glassy depth. Ideal for fine furniture, lutherie (necks, tops, and veneers), cabinetry, turned accents, and luxury interior millwork where visual impact matters.
Specifications:
- Common Name(s): bird’s-eye maple, Birdseye maple
- Scientific Name: A figure/grain anomaly rather than a distinct species; most commonly found in hard maple (Acer saccharum), with rare exceptions.
- Distribution: Northeastern North America.
- Tree Size: 80–115 Ft (25–35 m) tall. 2–3 Ft (0.6–1.0 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 44.0 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1, 450 lbf
Grain/Texture:
Grain: Birdseye Maple typically has a mostly straight grain, but the real draw is the scattered birdseye figure that gives the wood its signature look. Those small, swirling markings add movement and personality to each board, making every piece feel distinctive.
Texture: Birdseye Maple has a fine, even texture that gives it a smooth, refined surface. When finished, that clean texture helps the figure come through beautifully and gives the wood a bright, elegant appearance.
Texture: Birdseye Maple has a fine, even texture that gives it a smooth, refined surface. When finished, that clean texture helps the figure come through beautifully and gives the wood a bright, elegant appearance.
Rot Resistance:
Birdseye Maple is best suited for interior use and protected applications. Its value comes from its beauty, hardness, and unique figure rather than natural resistance to outdoor exposure. If you want, I can do the
Workability:
Birdseye works easily with hand and machine tools, though slightly more difficult than soft maple due to hard maple’s higher density. High-speed cutters (e.g., a router) can burn maple. It turns, glues, and finishes well; however, staining can blotch, so use a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner for even color. See THIS ARTICLE to reduce blotchy finishes.
Common Uses:
- Furniture
- Fine / High-End Furniture
- Accent Pieces / Custom Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Veneer
- Interior / Exterior Trim & Millwork
- Specialty Items
- Specialty Wood Items
- Musical Instruments
- Turned Objects
Woodworkers call this figure “birdseye” (sometimes written “bird’s-eye”) because tiny knots in the grain resemble small birds’ eyes. The exact cause remains unclear. Researchers have largely discounted theories involving bird pecking or fungal infection; no combination of climate, soil, variety, insects, pathogens, or genetics fully explains the effect.