I know you may have difficulty choosing between maple vs beech wood since they are similar-looking woods with similar weights, and both are readily available. You’re also probably torn between which is better for furniture, flooring, cabinets, and other functions.
I’ve used both woods in my several woodworking projects and have been able to draw certain conclusions from experience and research. While they may have several differences, they also have some critical differences.
Maple vs Beech Wood
Beech wood is a straight-grained wood with a fine, plain texture on flatsawn surfaces and a silvery fleck pattern on quartersawn surfaces. It has tiny pores and conspicuous rays. It is generally light yellow.
Most maple trees have extremely wide sapwood so that most maple lumber is from the sapwood rather than its heartwood.
The sapwood varies from nearly white to off-white or cream, sometimes with a golden or reddish cast. The heartwood is a darker reddish-brown.
The wood is diffuse-porous, with numerous medium to small pores giving it a fine, even texture. It has medium to broad rays that give a distinctive ray fleck on quartersawn surfaces.
Maple’s grain is sometimes straight but sometimes wavy. Hard maple (Acer saccharum) commonly has the so-called birdseye figured grain, though it’s also found in other species, albeit less often. Hard maple also sometimes displays curl, quilt, and burl patterns.
How to Distinguish Them
One good way to distinguish beech wood from maple wood is to examine clean-cut end-grain surfaces. The wood grain helps differentiate both wood species.
In beech, the rays will be very distinct and about twice as wide as the most prominent pores, whereas in maple, rays are less distinct, and the largest of them will be about the same width as the most prominent pores.
To distinguish hard maple from soft maple, look for the growth rings. They will be closer together on hard maple.
The rays also appear twice the size on a quarter-awn surface of beech (1/8″) as on a quarter-awn surface of maple (1/16″).
Neither maple wood nor beech wood has any distinctive odor.
Soft maples weigh 30 to 38 lbs per cu. ft., European beech and hard maple weigh 44lbs per cu. ft., and the American version weighs 45lbs per cu. ft.
What is Maple?
Many species in the genus Acer yield maple wood. The genus has about 160 species found primarily in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
The hard maple (Acer saccharum, found in eastern North America) and the field maple (Acer campestre, found in Europe) produce some of this genus’s hardest and heaviest wood.
However, even soft maples produce wood with hardness and density close to black walnut (Juglans nigra) or black cherry (Prunus serotina).
Soft maple is hard enough for many uses, and its lower density makes it generally easier to work and machine than hard maple.
Which species retailers sell as soft maple will vary depending on where you are.
If you are on the East coast, it will probably be red maple (Acer rubrum), and with a reddish hue, silver maple (Acer saccharinum), box elder (Acer negundo), or striped maple (Acer pennsylvanicum).
On the West Coast, you can expect to encounter bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum).
What is Beech?
Species in the genus Fagus yield beech. This genus has about a dozen species found across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
In the United States, you will most easily purchase lumber from Fagus grandifolia, the American beech, which grows in the eastern United States, and Fagus sylvatica, the European version (it is worthy noting that this is used in baseball bats).
How are Maple and Beech Different?
Having considered what maple and beech are, I’ll now look at what makes them different.
Durability of Maple and Beech
Beech and maple are both resilient woods in terms of hardness. The Janka hardness test compares wood hardness by measuring its resistance to denting and wear. Beech has a Janka hardness rating of 1300 lbf, while maple has a Janka rating of 1450 lbf. As a result, maple is the tougher of the two different woods in terms of hardness.
However, keep in mind that hardness is only one factor to consider when choosing woods for your project. Grain pattern, color, and aesthetic appeal should all be considered.
Nonetheless, if toughness and durability are important to you, both beech and maple are excellent wood choices.
Mechanical Properties
Hard maple and beech have high crush strength and high bending strength and are considered excellent woods for steam bending.
Hard maple and beech are relatively stiff, but soft maple has low stiffness and low resistance to shock loads.
Hard maple is harder than beech, with a Janka hardness of 1450 to beech’s 1300, making it suitable for cutting boards. However, soft maples only have a hardness of 700 to 950, depending on the species.
Wood Type
Both beech and maple are classified as hardwoods. While maple is generally harder than beech, it is important to note that different maple species have varying degrees of hardness. Beechwood is used in a variety of products, including lumber, veneer, flooring, boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, and even musical instruments such as piano pin blocks.
On the other hand, Maple is a popular hardwood, particularly in flooring for applications ranging from basketball courts to residential spaces, as well as veneer and paper production. Beech is frequently the less expensive option, whereas maple is prized for its strength and aesthetic appeal.
Both beech and maple have natural beauty that can complement any home project. However, the decision between the two is ultimately determined by your budget, project requirements, and personal preferences. Take the time to compare them and determine which one best meets your requirements.
Color
Color differences between beech and maple are noticeable. Beech has a pale color with reddish hue or undertones. Maple, on the other hand, is typically a white to off-white cream color. It is worth noting that maple can darken over time, especially when exposed to direct sunlight.
Grain
Beech has an advantage in terms of wood grain. It has a straight grain pattern, whereas maple has a straight grain pattern that can occasionally be wavy. This variation can give furniture made from these woods a slightly different appearance.
Personal preferences ultimately determine which of the two to use. Beech is the best choice if you want a uniform, straight grain. If you like a little variation in the appearance of your furniture, maple might be the wood for you.
Odor
Neither beech nor maple has a distinctive odor. As a result, when deciding between beech and maple, the scent of the wood is unimportant. Both kinds of wood are equally suitable for use in residential and commercial construction projects.
The difference between beech and maple is not influenced by odor. Whether you are looking for wood for furniture making or construction, either of these woods is a good choice.
Working Properties
Beech works easily with hand and power tools, as does soft maple, although soft maple has a dulling effect on cutters.
Beech nails and glues well, whereas soft maple is more tricky to work with. Both beech and soft maple can be stained and polished to an excellent finish. It shows a large amount of movement in service, whereas maples show little movement.
On the other hand, hard maple is a difficult wood to work, especially by hand, with a moderate dulling effect on cutting tools. A reduced cutting angle is required to cut figured grains.
You will have to pre-drill it to the nail and screw it. It glues well and stains and polishes to a good finish.
Availability and Sustainability
Both maple and beech are readily available.
Neither the CITES Appendices nor the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species list any maple or beech species as threatened. There are also no restrictions from the Forest Products Laboratory.
Cost Differences
Beech retails for around $6.29 per board foot, with soft maple coming in slightly more expensive at $6.49 per board foot. On the other hand, hard maple is considerably more costly, at $8.99.
Which is Better for Furniture, Maple or Beech?
Because woodworkers consider beech less attractive for furniture than other woods which may have tight grain, it tends to be less expensive, and they use it for table and chair legs, the bottoms of drawers, and the backs and sides of bureaus.
On the other hand, maple is a highly prized wood for furniture due to its attractive figure. It tends to be more expensive. Both are better suited for indoor furniture.
Which is Better for Flooring, Maple or Beech?
Soft maple is sometimes used for flooring but tends to be too soft, whereas the hardness and density of hard maple make it a favorite for flooring, whether basketball courts, dance floors, or residential. Beech is relatively expensive when used for flooring but easy to work and reasonably durable.
Which is Better for Cabinetry, Maple or Beech?
Similar considerations apply to cabinetry as to flooring, and hard maple is a favored wood for applications such as workbench tops and butcher blocks.
Beech is useful for cabinetry as it does not impart flavor or odor and is gentle on knife blades. However, it would be best to seal it properly to avoid warping due to humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Maple and Beech?
The tree species maple and beech are distinct. Their physical characteristics, uses, and ecological roles differ. Maple trees are known for their vibrant fall foliage and are used for maple syrup and woodworking, whereas beech trees have distinct smooth gray bark that is important for wildlife but has limited commercial use.
Is Beech More Expensive Than Maple?
In general, beech is less expensive than maple. Maple is prized for its fine grain and is frequently used in high-end furniture, which can cause it to cost more than beech, which is known for its low cost. While beechwood is also hardwood, it is less expensive because it lacks the premium qualities of maple.
Are Beech and Maple Similar?
No, they are not. While beech and maple are hardwood trees, their appearance, uses, and ecological roles are distinct. Beech trees, with their smooth gray bark, are vital to wildlife.
Maple trees are valued for their distinctive leaves and for their use in maple syrup production and woodworking. In conclusion, maple trees are economically important, whereas beech trees are ecologically important.
Is Maple Heavier Than Beech?
Yes, maple wood is heavier than beech wood in general. This is due to the fact that maple wood is denser than beech wood. This density adds to its durability and makes it appropriate for furniture and flooring that must withstand wear and tear.
As a result, maple is frequently chosen for applications requiring wood to withstand wear and tear, such as furniture and flooring. It is also used in making baseball bats and dance floors.
Conclusion
Whether hard or soft, maple is an excellent wood for furniture. Both hard maple and beech will serve well for flooring and cabinetry, with beech having the edge in price and hard maple in durability. Soft maple is generally considered too soft for such applications.
