Maple plywood is a type of plywood made from thin layers, or “plies,” of maple wood veneer. It is a type of engineered wood product, which means that it is made from wood fibers that have been broken down and pressed together to form a panel.
To make maple plywood, thin sheets of maple wood veneer are peeled from a rotating log using a lathe. The veneers are then sorted and graded based on their quality and appearance. The veneers are then soaked in water to make them pliable, and they are pressed together using heat and adhesive to form a panel. The panel is then cut to the desired size and shape.
This stuff is hard – real hard – but also still very attractive. That makes it a great material for projects like furniture, cabinetry, and other decorative woodworking. Maple Plywood has a Janka Hardness rating of around 1450 pounds.
What is the Janka Hardness Rating of Maple Plywood?
The Janka hardness rating is a measure of the hardness of a specific type of wood. It is a standardized test that measures the force required to push a steel ball into the wood to a depth of half the ball’s diameter. The higher the Janka hardness rating, the harder and more resistant to denting and scratching the wood is considered to be.
The Janka hardness rating for maple plywood can vary depending on the specific type of maple used and the thickness of the plies. However, maple is generally considered to be a hardwood, with a Janka hardness rating of around 1450 pounds force (lb f). This means that it is relatively hard and resistant to denting and scratching.
How Does the Hardness of Maple Plywood Compare to Other Wood Species?
To compare the hardness of maple plywood to other types of wood, it is helpful to look at the Janka hardness ratings of those woods. Some common wood species and their corresponding Janka hardness ratings are:
- Bamboo: 1250 lb f
- Oak: 1360 lb f
- Maple: 1450 lb f
- Walnut: 1010 lb f
- Pine: 690 lb f
As you can see, maple plywood is harder than bamboo, oak, and pine, but it is slightly softer than walnut. However, it’s important to note that the actual hardness of a specific piece of wood can vary depending on factors such as the age of the tree, the growing conditions, and the specific type of wood within a species.
What Factors Affect the Hardness of Maple Plywood?
A whole range of different factors come together to impact the hardness of maple plywood, including a couple that might surprise you.
We’re talking about things like:
- The type of maple: Different types of maple wood can have different hardness ratings. For example, hard maple (also known as sugar maple or rock maple) has a higher Janka hardness rating than soft maple (also known as silver maple or red maple). The type of maple used in the plywood can therefore affect its overall hardness.
- The thickness of the plies: The thickness of the individual plies of wood veneer that make up the plywood can also affect its hardness. In general, thicker plies tend to result in a harder plywood, since there is more wood fiber to resist indentation.
- The number of plies: The number of plies in the plywood can also affect its hardness. Plywood with more plies tends to be stronger and harder than plywood with fewer plies.
- The type of adhesive used: The adhesive used to bond the plies together can also affect the hardness of the plywood. Some adhesives are stronger and more durable than others, which can result in a harder plywood.
- The manufacturing process: The manufacturing process used to make the plywood can also have an impact on its hardness. For example, plywood that is pressed at a high temperature or under high pressure is likely to be harder than plywood that is not subjected to these conditions.
To check the current price and availability of Maple Plywood, click here to view the listing on Amazon.
How Does the Hardness of Maple Plywood Affect Its Use in Woodworking Projects?
Smart woodworkers are always thinking about their materials, how to use the best, and how to make sure that they are leveraging their strengths while minimizing their downside.
Working with maple plywood is no different.
Here’s a quick rundown of what woodworkers need to consider when using this material:
- Quality: Maple plywood is available in different grades, which can affect its appearance and price. Woodworkers may need to consider the grade of maple plywood that is most suitable for their project, based on factors such as the intended use, budget, and desired appearance.
- Size and thickness: Maple plywood is available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, and woodworkers may need to consider which size and thickness is most appropriate for their project. Factors such as the intended use, the strength and stiffness required, and the tools and equipment available may all be important considerations.
- Grain pattern: Maple plywood can have different grain patterns, depending on the specific type of maple used and the direction of the plies. Woodworkers may need to consider the grain pattern of the plywood and how it will affect the appearance and performance of the finished project.
- Finishing: Maple plywood can be finished in a variety of ways, including painting, staining, and varnishing. Woodworkers may need to consider the best finishing method for their project, based on the intended use, desired appearance, and the tools and equipment available.
- Cost: Maple plywood is generally more expensive than other types of plywood, such as pine or birch. Woodworkers may need to consider the cost of the plywood and how it fits into their budget.
What Are the Benefits of Using Hard Maple Plywood in Woodworking Projects?
Even though it can sometimes feel like a fight to get maple plywood to behave the way you want it to, there are so many benefits to this material that it makes all that headache and hassle worth it.
Some of those benefits include, but aren’t limited to:
- Strength and durability: Maple plywood is known for its strength and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of woodworking projects. It is resistant to splitting and cracking, and it is able to hold screws and nails well.
- Attractive appearance: Maple plywood has a smooth, uniform appearance, with a light to medium brown color. It is often used for decorative woodworking projects because of its attractive appearance.
- Versatility: Maple plywood is a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of woodworking projects, including furniture, cabinetry, and decorative items. It can be finished in a variety of ways, including painting, staining, and varnishing, to suit the desired appearance of the finished project.
- Easy to work with: Maple plywood is relatively easy to work with, using both hand and power tools. It can be cut, shaped, and drilled with relative ease, making it suitable for woodworkers of all skill levels.
- Sustainable: Maple plywood is a sustainable material, as it is made from a renewable resource and can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its useful life.
Final Thoughts
Maple plywood is a staple of the woodworking material arsenal for a number of reasons. Solid, dependable, downright beautiful, and relatively easy to finish, there’s a lot to like about this material.
That said, this isn’t the kind of material you can just drop on a table saw and start ripping away at it.
Not if you want good results, anyway!
Hopefully the info we shared above helps you better understand the strength and hardness of maple plywood, but also how durable and versatile this material can be, too.