Birdseye Maple (Hard Maple)
Characteristics: Birdseye Maple is a domestic hardwood. The Birdseye figure is found in heartwood and sapwood. Both can be breathtaking. The boards are from Maple logs with irregular growth. The figure resembles the figure in a burl. It contains a small "eye" like in a burl, but it is more distinct. Each eye stands out separately. Small circular or elliptical areas resembling bird’s eyes on the tangential surface of the wood, formed by indented fibers. Birdseye figure is caused by a stunted growth, developed during the years the tree lacked space and sunshine.
Common Uses: Birdseye figure can be used wherever un-figured maple is used. Wood with this figure is highly prized for stringed musical instruments - high end furniture - specialty veneers - cabinetry and countless other projects.
Working Properties: This wood is great for all types of turnery, works well with sharp tools and adheres well with glue. It must be pre-bored for nails and screws. Birdseye Maple takes stains and polish well. This tough wood has a tendency to burn during end grain cuts.
Common Name: Birdseye Maple (Hard Maple)
Tree is Native To: Birdseye Maple is from the Hard Maple tree. (Birdseye can also be found in Soft Maple). It grows throughout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. It is most prominate in the New England states and around the Great Lakes region and Canadian Great Lake provinces.
Botanical Classification: Acer saccharum
Family: Aceraceae
Average Dried Weight: 45 lb/ft.
Average Specific Gravity: .72
