Curly Maple

Curly Maple, Figured Maple

Acer saccharum

Figured European Maple, Figured Sycamore

North America

“Curl”, also figure, is a special form of growth occurring in only 2 to 5 % of all Maple logs. This not only holds true for the Hard Maple, but also to the Soft Maple as well as all other types of the Maple species. Range is the same as with the common types of Maple. Confusion often prevails as to the difference between the Curly and the Quilted Maple. Curl is the gured form; Quilt is the pommele type.

Since Curly Maple belongs to the more expensive species and also is not often to be found, use is restricted to exclusive furniture, interior decorating and objets d’art, e.g. writing utensils, bowls, etc. Due to its rareness, this species cannot be produced in quantities such as for large furniture production, etc. Can be manufactured as sliced and peeled veneer.

Highly decorative on account of its strong figure. Especially when finished in a high gloss surface, very plastic and three-dimensional pictures result.

Since the wood is very hard, machining takes a higher expenditure of force. Use of carbide metal tools is recommended.

Especially kiln drying needs to be done very slowly and with utmost care as the wood is highly prone to warping and checking.

Any surface treatment can be done without any problem. Polished surfaces are especially decorative.

Glue jointing is durable; predrilled screw jointing is preferable to one with nails.