When it comes to choosing wood for furniture or flooring, two popular options are pine and maple. With their distinct grains and colors, they each have their own aesthetic appeal and functional qualities that make them suitable for different applications.
I’ll compare pine vs maple wood to help you determine which is better for your next woodworking or home furnishing project.
Pine vs Maple
Both pine and maple are good for use in flooring, furniture, and cabinetry. The main difference between these types of wood is that pine is softwood, while maple is hardwood like oak. This distinction makes a difference in how successful each type of wood will be in its application.
Overall, pine works well where an inexpensive, lightweight wood is needed. In contrast, maple is better for high-end fine woodworking, where strength and durability are top priorities.
There are countless types of wood available on the market, the majority of which are fine for most applications, including furniture, flooring, or cabinetry. Maple and pine have strengths and weaknesses, and there is a big difference between them.
Overview of Pine
Pine trees, which have been used extensively for their timber, produce softwood that works well on myriad projects. This inherently soft nature of the wood makes it ideal for various uses, including carving and milling.
This type of wood is highly porous, so it is susceptible to absorbing paint. However, it is not necessarily as adept at absorbing stains unless it is first treated. The wood may also look blotchy and quite unappealing if not treated before staining.
It is used extensively in construction, where it is used in producing structural members for roofing and framing. Because it is a relatively lightweight wood, it is extremely popular for use in furniture. Popular varieties include white pine, yellow pine, and red pine.
Pros
- Inexpensive cost
- Easy to work with hand and machine tools
- Takes paint and opaque finishes well
- Abundant availability
- Has natural aesthetic appeal with a knotted and grain pattern
Cons
- Low hardness and density
- Absorbs stain unevenly
- Dents and scratches easily
- Susceptible to damage from moisture
- Requires refinishing over time
Overview of Maple
Maple comes from the genus Acer. While generally considered a hardwood, it can consist of either a hard or softer version. The hardest versions of maple are extremely difficult to work with, while the softer versions tend to be far more versatile and easily manipulated into any shape or form.
The softer varieties of maple are generally used in furniture due to how easy they are to work with. Meanwhile, the harder maple varieties are used more in items such as butcher’s blocks. Out of the 128 species of maple in existence, around 54 of them are endangered.
Generally, maple is white hardwood with an even, tight grain. Colors may range from light brown to chocolate brown. Maple can also produce a light color and a distinct maple leaf.
Pros
- Very hard and durable
- Tight, even grain patterns
- Stains smoothly and evenly
- Withstands wear and abrasion well
- Ages beautifully over decades
Cons
- More expensive than pine
- Difficult to work with hand tools
- Some varieties are difficult to stain
- Grows slower
- Lacks a rustic appearance
Exploring the Distinctions of Pine and Maple Woods
Maple and pine each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages, which can make a significant difference to the project in which they are being used. Understanding how these types of wood differ will ensure you can make an informed decision, whatever the application.
Here is a comparison table contrasting the features of maple versus pine wood:
| Feature | Maple | Pine |
| Appearance | Consistent, tight grain pattern | Varies greatly, knots and imperfections visible |
| Durability | Extremely durable, ages beautifully | Less durable, scratches and dents easily |
| Hardness | Very hard, rated 1450 on the Janka scale | Soft, rated 380 on the Janka scale |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance needs | Requires frequent refinishing and conditioning |
| Sustainability | Some varieties endangered | Abundant supply, easily renewable |
| Workability | Difficult to work with hand tools | Easy to work by hand or machine |
| Outdoor Use | Low suitability can warp | Better suited for outdoor projects |
| Carving | Hard to carve detail | Ideal for detailed carving |
| Carpentry | Holds fasteners well | Fasteners can be ripped out over time |
| Flooring | Excellent durability for floors | Too soft for high-traffic flooring |
| Furniture | High-end, heirloom | Rustic |
| Cost | More expensive | Typically lower cost |
Type of Wood: Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
Understanding the difference between hardwoods and softwoods, and then the differences between pine and maple will assist you in deciding which types of wood to choose for your desired application.
Basically, maple is hardwood, whereas pine is a softwood. Hardwood comes from a grouping of trees called angiosperms. Hence, the hardwood trees have enclosed seeds that allow them to reproduce.
On the other hand, softwood comes from a tree, which is known as a gymnosperm. This means that the tree produces seeds with no covering. These seeds tend to fall from the tree and onto the ground.
- Hardwood comes from trees that grow far more slowly than softwood. As a result, the wood produced is usually denser and stronger, much like in a walnut.
- Softwood grows relatively quickly, resulting in a less dense wood. Because it takes longer to grow, hardwood is usually more expensive.
- As evident in maple, hardwood trees are usually of the flowering, deciduous variety, mainly with broad leaves.
- Softwood trees are usually evergreen trees, and these produce cones and needles instead of broad leaves. Their cones get transferred to other trees for propagation.
Appearance
One of the simplest ways to differentiate maple and pine is to look at their colors and patterns.
- Pine: This wood combines knots and marked lines, as you can see in these Artificer Pine Plywood Sheets. This is why I prefer this when I need a rustic appearance.
- Maple: Maple has a pale, almost white color with a tight. For instance, Barrington Hardwoods Maple Lumber Boards feature a straight grain pattern that masks the wood’s pores. This hardwood may also have interlocking, curling grain patterns and saps that produce maple syrup.
Hardness and Durability
The Janka hardness scale measures a wood’s resistance to wear and dents. This can help you identify which wood type would suit your project.
- Pine: Being a softwood, it only has a Janka rating of 380 pounds-force, making this wood susceptible to physical damage faster.
- Maple: As a hardwood, maple has a Janka hardness rating of 1,450 pounds-force. This makes it a long-lasting wood material that can resist chipping and denting.
Maintenance
Items made from different types of wood require maintenance to remain functional, especially those placed in high-traffic areas.
- Pine: Since this wood is softer and more porous, you must be more cautious in cleaning and repairing it.
- Maple: Those made from hardwood maple require minimal maintenance. However, I typically need to refurbish this kind of wood flooring every year or so to prevent abrasion or contamination.
Price
Despite cost differences, they are both considered to be among the cheapest types of wood available.
- Pine: It is generally cheaper because this wood grows quickly and has more local sources.
- Maple: Depending on the board width and wood grade, hardwood maple can cost more, especially figured maple.
Sustainability
Maple and pine are readily available wood types across the United States. They grow pretty fast, ensuring a sustainable harvest.
- Pine: This wood grows extremely fast and there are several types of pine, so it’s easy to replace it as fast as it is harvested, which makes it highly sustainable.
- Maple: Most types of hardwood are slow growers, taking around 20 to 30 years to reach full size. However, red maples can grow at a relatively faster speed.
My Top Recommendation Between Maple and Pine
When choosing between maple and pine, I find that maple is better for most furnishings, flooring, and cabinetry uses.
- Maple is superior in durability, hardness, and ability to take light stains. This makes maple ideal for long-lasting, quality pieces.
- Maple is the preferred choice for flooring, cabinets, and heirloom projects. Its elegance and resilience stand the test of time.
- Though more expensive, the longevity of maple offsets its higher cost over decades of use.
However, I also observed that pine has benefits in certain situations:
- This wood works well for outdoor furnishings, as it is weather- and insect-resistant.
- Thanks to pine’s softness, it better suits rustic styles with intricately detailed carvings.
- This type of wood is affordable for budget-friendly projects or light pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maple More Expensive Than Pine?
Yes, maple is generally more expensive than pine. Maple trees are slower-growing hardwoods, so maple lumber is less plentiful and costs more per board foot. The increased density and durability of maple also drive its price point higher.
Does Maple Go With Pine Wood?
Maple and pine woods can complement each other well. Maple provides an elegant, refined look, while pine has a more casual appearance. The contrast can create visual interest, with maple bringing warmth and the other adding a natural textured accent.
How Should I Choose Between Maple and Pine Furniture?
To choose between maple and pine for furniture, consider your project’s setting, interior design style, and budget. Pine suits rustic, casual pieces. Opt for maple when you desire finely finished furnishings that withstand time and heavy use.
Conclusion
While pine has benefits like affordability and workability, the superior strength and timeless beauty of maple make it the wiser long-term investment for quality wood projects.
Whether you opt for pine’s distinctive charm or the refined elegance of maple, understanding their inherent traits lets you choose wood materials tailored to your needs.
