The Versatile Type Of Wood That Works For A Variety Of Home Projects

Have a couple of home projects to DIY this weekend? Nine times out of 10, you'll need wood. What you might have not known (or just forgot about) is that not every wood will work for a given project. Some types of wood may be too flimsy, others too hard to hammer into. Not to mention, some are also more prone to warping, which is not what you want when building shelves. So what do you do when faced with so many different wood species to choose from? You take the less overwhelming route and narrow down your choice to a remarkably versatile option: maple lumber.

Not only is maple wood among the select types of wood that are easy to build with, but it also boasts a beautiful, straight (sometimes wavy) grain pattern. There are two types available: hard and soft maple. True to its name, hard maple lumber is harder, and therefore heavier and sturdier. On the flip side, soft maple is slightly less hard (about 25%) than its sibling, yet has a more versatile color palette, ranging from grayish-white to a reddish or golden hue. Regardless, both soft and hard maple wood are easy to drill into, glue, sand, and stain.

Maple wood can be used for anything from beginner woodworking projects, such as home decor, to advanced builds, like cabinet construction. Note that you'll want to avoid soft maple wood for applications like flooring or butcher blocks where sturdiness is essential and high activity is expected. Because this maple has a lower density and isn't that shock resistant, choose it for doors, wall paneling, dining tables, chairs, nightstands, and the like. On the other hand, hard maple is your go-to when you need an extra tough material. Building staircases, installing floors, and DIY-ing mantelpieces come to mind here.

As versatile as maple wood is, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. For instance, this timber is non-resistant to rot and insect attacks. It's also known to cause allergic reactions in sensitive people. And finally, maple wood can discolor over time, though that's to be expected for most types of wood.