Cutting Board
Extremely hard and closed-grain for food safety
Maple (Hard)
A solid, time-tested hardwood suited for furniture and interior woodworking.
Quick Verdict
- Category: Hardwood
- Janka hardness: 1450 lbf
- Workability: 2/5
- Price tier: premium
- Skill level: advanced
- Best environment: indoor
Best For
- furniture
- cabinetry
- interior trim
Avoid For
- outdoor use
- wet environments
Appearance
Color: creamy white
Grain: fine, closed grain
Project Ideas
Workbench Top
Takes abuse without denting, easy to keep flat
Pro Notes
Blotches badly when stained.
Common Questions
Is hard maple good for cutting boards?
Yes - it's the gold standard. Hard, closed-grain, and food-safe when finished with mineral oil.
Why does maple burn when routing?
The dense grain generates heat quickly. Use sharp carbide bits at high RPM with slow feed rates.
Plan With This Material
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