BIRDSEYE MAPLE

Birdseye Maple has a rare characteristic found in hard maple trees. Only about one percent of all Maple trees contain the Birdseye Maple figure. To this day, there has been no scientific evidence to explain the origin of its existence or why the Birdseye Maple figure occurs in such a small percentage of all maple trees.

Today, Birdseye Maple is used in every type of woodworking project. The term birdseye refers to the “eyes” that develop in the tree when it is young. As these eyes continue to develop as the tree grows, the eyes generally get bigger. Another reason the Birdseye Maple tree is so rare is that its unique figure cannot be cultured or duplicated by man.

The Birdseye figure varies from tree to tree, and there are no two trees that are exactly alike. Even more unusual is that each Birdseye Maple tree has its own unique personality, and any figure and eyes of that tree are unique and consistent within that tree only, making each project a one-of-a-kind piece of woodworking art in itself when finished. Birdseye Maple lumber has a wide variety of eyes and figures. There are c-shaped eyes and oval-shaped eyes as well as eyes that resemble deer tracks; some eyes can even look like rain streaks on a windowpane.

Birdseye Maple trees can also develop a birdseye that is densely spaced and some that are small and spaced well apart. It is not unusual to see Birdseye Maple trees that have a herringbone or tilted curl along with the eyes. This is sometimes referred to as a buff, flash figure, crossfire, bowtie figure, or highlights.

Colors within the wood itself vary greatly, from rose-colored wood varying to dark rose heart, even to cream colored or white inside. Some of the uses that artists, craftsman, and woodworkers use Birdseye Maple for are furniture, musical instruments, custom pool cues, and jewelry boxes. We offer pickup or nationwide shipping and delivery right to your door.

Birdseye Maple Figured Wood

Characteristics

Origin of Wood Type The U.S. and Canada
Botanical Name Acer Saccharum
Specific Gravity .71
Avg. Weight Per BF 4.2 lbs
Color Range Sapwood is white and the heartwood is brown to grey
Rarity / Availability Common
Typical Avg. Width 5 – 12 inches
Typical Avg. Length 8 – 12 feet
Avg. Waste Factor 25%
Wood Uses All woodworking applications, and musical instruments
Lumber Grades FAS through 2 common
Other Trade Names Birds Eye Maple

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