Somerset's Appalachian Advantage:

Some of the finest lumber in the world comes from the Appalachian Mountain region of the U.S., where Somerset is strategically located. The lumber is considered superior because of the benefits inherent in the location and the land. The climate is a main factor in producing the naturally superior quality. The slower growth of trees results in high growth rings, consistent grains, and strong fibers that lead to strength, durability, and beauty.

Common Uses:

Soft maple is used in the manufacture of furniture, residential flooring, kitchen cabinets, sporting goods, paneling, plywood and veneers, interior joinery, doors, mouldings, musical instruments, and more. It is often stained to resemble other species, such as cherry.

Visual Properties:

In general, the appearance of soft maple is very similar to that of hard maple. The sapwood is generally grayish white and may have darker colored pith flecks. The heartwood ranges from light to dark reddish brown. Soft maple is typically straight grained, and rays are narrower than that of hard maple.

Working Properties:

Maple machines well (pre-boring is recommended when nailing and/or screwing), it glues and stains satisfactorily and can be polished to an excellent finish. It is excellent for turning.

Physical Properties:

Soft maple has a Janka Hardness Rating of 950 (compared to red oak at 1290, and hard maple at 1450). It is about 25% softer than hard maple with medium bending and crushing strength. It is low in shock resistance and stiffness and has good steam bending characteristics.