Maple hardwood flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability, aesthetic appeal, and reasonable cost. However, there are several key factors to consider before deciding if maple is the right hardwood species for your home. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before buying maple hardwood flooring.

Benefits of Maple Hardwood Floors

Maple hardwood has many desirable qualities that make it a top choice for flooring:

Durability

Maple is a dense hardwood that stands up well to foot traffic and everyday wear and tear. The Janka hardness rating, which measures a wood’s resistance to denting and wear, is 1,450 for maple. This hardness makes it very durable for residential use. Maple hardwood flooring can last 50 years or more with proper care.

Aesthetic Versatility

Maple has a fine, straight grain that gives it a smooth, attractive look. It takes stain very well, so maple flooring can be customized with different stain colors to match your home’s style. From light natural maple to deeper stains like walnut, the possibilities are endless. The smooth grain also allows maple to mimic the look of more expensive woods when stained.

Affordability

Maple is more affordable than premium woods like oak or exotic choices like Brazilian cherry. The price per square foot for maple is generally between $3-7, making it a budget-friendly option. The ability to refinish maple several times also adds value.

Eco-Friendly Choice

Maple is a sustainably harvested wood from replenishable forests in North America. Choosing maple flooring is an environmentally responsible decision. Maple growth rates easily keep up with demand. Its indigenous origins mean maple flooring doesn’t have to be imported, reducing transport emissions.

Considerations for Maple Flooring

While maple has many positive attributes, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:

Softer Than Oak

Maple is slightly softer than red or white oak flooring. Maple will scratch and dent more easily and show wear patterns over time. The trade-off for the lower hardness is maple’s finer grain and smooth surface.

Color Variations

Natural maple exhibits some color variation from pale tan to reddish-brown tones. Staining can minimize this color variation, but may not entirely eliminate it. If a uniform color is desired, expect to pay more for select grades of maple with less color variation.

Susceptibility to Moisture Damage

Maple absorbs water more readily than oak or exotic woods. This makes it more prone to swelling and warping from moisture. Care must be taken to properly acclimate the wood before installation and to control indoor humidity levels year-round. Wood stoves and humid climate locations are not ideal for maple.

Can’t Be Refinished Endlessly

While maple can be refinished multiple times, there is a limit. When the wood gets too thin, it will need to be replaced. In high traffic commercial locations, maple floors may need to be recoated or replaced more frequently than in homes.

Best Uses for Maple Flooring

Maple is well-suited for these applications:

Living Spaces

Maple works well in most rooms but really shines in living areas. Its fine grain takes stain for attractive formal living rooms. The durability handles active family rooms. Maple offers a cleaner look compared to oak or pine for open floor plans.

Bedrooms

The smooth, light-reflecting surface creates a welcoming feel in bedrooms. Maple retains its color and smooth texture to keep bedrooms looking sharp. Its stability resists warping from humidity.

Dining Rooms

A stained maple dining room floor establishes an elegant mood for entertaining. Lighter maple stains complement white trim for a clean, fresh dining room aesthetic. The smooth surface is easily kept clean after meals.

Home Offices

For home offices, maple’s lighter appearance conveys an open, airy feeling to inspire creativity. The hardness stands up well to office chair wheels rolling over it day after day. Refinishing can keep high traffic office floors looking renewed.

Kitchens

Maple is dense and water-resistant enough for kitchen use if properly sealed. A vital step is selecting a durable finish rated for heavy residential traffic. The lighter appearance makes small kitchens seem more spacious.

Avoid These Applications

Maple flooring has some limitations regarding appropriate applications:

Wet Areas – Bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, or any potentially damp locations should avoid maple due to its moisture sensitivity. Go with a water-resistant species like teak or bamboo instead.
Commercial High Traffic Areas – Maple can’t withstand heavy commercial foot traffic for long periods. Oak or exotic woods are better choices for restaurants, stores, office lobbies, etc.
Extreme Climate Locations – The fluctuations between bone dry and very humid in desert or lakeside climates can damage maple over time. Consider oak for these installation sites.
Direct Sunlight – Prolonged direct sunlight from large windows or skylights can discolor maple floors over time. Use window treatments to minimize this issue.
High Heel Shoes – Maple is softer than oak, so concentrated high heel traffic will leave visible dents. Runners can help protect maple flooring in high heel-traffic homes.

Maple Flooring Grain Types

Maple hardwood flooring displays different visual grain patterns depending on how it’s cut. The grain structure impacts the overall look.

Hard Maple

Also called rock maple, this has the most uniform, fine, straight grain with very little variation. The smooth texture almost seems devoid of grain at times. Hard maple takes stain evenly for a flawless appearance. It’s the most expensive type but ideal for formal settings.

Soft/Curly Maple

Features prominent swirling grain patterns ranging from slight waves to highly figured curls. The distinctive grain has an appealing rustic charm. Stain penetrates the ripples unevenly creating an aged patina. Works for casual decor styles.

Birdseye Maple

Small knotty areas resembling tiny bird’s eyes characterize this rare grain type. The small knots diffract light randomly for an eye-catching sparkle. Stain emphasizes the captivating birdseye spots. Use in contemporary homes or accented walls.

Grades of Maple Flooring

Maple flooring comes in different grades that determine appearance, price, and structural quality.

Clear Grade

Displays only heartwood free of sapwood, knots, or other character marks. A uniform appearance desired for staining. Highest grade but limited supply increases cost.

Select Grade

Permits a few small knots, mineral streaks, or sapwood flecks while retaining a relatively uniform look overall. Provides the best value for a quality floor.

#1 Grade

Allows some larger sound knots, more sapwood, and more character markings. These add visual interest at a lower price, but limit staining. Good for casual decor.

#2 Grade

Contains an abundance of color variation, knots, sapwood, and character marks for a “rustic” appearance. Only natural/unfinished recommended. Most affordable option with imperfections.

Maple Flooring Edge Styles

Maple flooring boards come with different edge treatments that impact the final look.

Square Edge

Boards have simple square edges milled on all four sides. Gaps appear between planks without contours to help conceal them. The most affordable edge style.

Beveled Edge

The top outer edge is beveled at a slight angle for a visible border around each plank. Beveling helps hide gaps between planks for a more seamless look.

Micro Beveled Edge

A minimized version of standard beveling, with a very subtle angled slope along the top outer edge. Provides a less pronounced beveled effect for a modern twist.

Handscraped Edge

The surface is manually scraped to create an undulating texture. This adds an Old World hand-crafted charm. Staining accentuates the nuances.

Thickness of Maple Flooring

Maple flooring is produced in different thicknesses suited for various applications:

3/8-inch

The bare minimum thickness for nail-down installation over wood subfloors. Provides adequate structural stability for residential use in single-story homes.

1/2-inch

The most common thickness recommended for nail- or glue-down installation. Appropriate for residential uses on single-story or multi-level homes. Adds extra stability.

5/8-inch

A heavier-duty thickness capable of handling fastener-free floating installation. Ideal for residential use in upstairs bedrooms or multi-level homes to minimize sound transfer.

3/4-inch

The thickest option that provides maximum structural integrity over wood or concrete subfloors. Often required for radiant heat systems or commercial installations. Expensive, but very durable.

Maple Flooring Widths

Maple hardwood flooring comes in set widths from narrow 2 1/4″ strips up to 7″ planks. Width is an aesthetic choice that impacts the look and cost.

Narrow Strip

Boards 2 1/4″ to 3″ wide with a traditional, historic style. The longest planks available to minimize seams. Offer the best value. Can visually make small rooms seem cramped.

Medium Width

Boards 3″ to 5″ wide for a versatile blend of classic and contemporary. Allows shorter plank lengths up to 7 feet while controlling cost. Works in any sized space.

Wide Plank

Boards 5″ to 7″ wide create a dramatic, spacious effect. Shorter standard plank lengths of 2′ to 5′ balance cost. Makes small rooms feel larger but highlights subfloor imperfections. Most expensive width.

Engineered Wide Plank

Engineered cores allow planks up to 10″ wide, but limit thickness to 1/2″ even with widths over 5″. Provides the wide plank look with standard plank lengths to control expenses.

Types of Maple Flooring

Maple flooring comes in several construction types, each with pros and cons.

Solid Maple

Milled from a single piece of solid maple wood. Can be repeatedly refinished. Nail-down installation works over wood subfloors. Thicker pieces can be glued directly to concrete. The most expensive type but with greatest long-term value.

Engineered Maple

Plywood core topped by a layer of maple wear layer. More dimensionally stable and can be floated over many subfloors, but has a set refinishing limit. Glue-down is the most common method. Costs less than solid wood.

Locking Engineered Maple

Engineered core maple with an interlocking mechanism on the edges. Boards click together without any glue or nails. Allows DIY friendly floating installation. Limited durability and thinner wear layers compared to traditional engineered.

Maple Laminate Flooring

High-density fiberboard core topped with a photographic maple layer. Floats over subfloors easily. Most affordable option but not considered real wood. Cannot be refinished or repaired once damaged. Short lifespan.

How to Refinish Maple Floors

With proper maintenance, maple floors can be periodically refinished to restore their appearance. Follow these steps for best results:

Clean Thoroughly

Vacuum then damp mop floor completely using wood cleaner. Remove all dirt, debris and cleaner residue to prevent contamination of the new finish.

Sand Lightly

Use coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove existing finish and smooth the surface. Hand sand edges carefully. Avoid oversanding, which can damage the maple.

Screen Between Coats

Gently sand with 120-150 grit screen or fine sandpaper between finish coats to improve adhesion and eliminate dust nibs in the curing polyurethane.

Apply Water-Based Polyurethane

Water-based poly dries faster with less odor compared to oil-based. Use a satin gloss level unless high-traffic areas call for semi-gloss. Apply 2-3 thin coats per manufacturer directions.

Let Cure Properly

Allow the full cure time of 24-48 hours between coats and before permitting heavy traffic again. Proper curing is vital for maximum durability.

How to Clean Maple Floors

Regular cleaning preserves the beauty of maple flooring. Follow these care guidelines:

Dry mop, sweep or vacuum frequently to remove surface dust and grit that can scratch the finish.
Use hardwood floor cleaner and damp mop weekly. Avoid excessive moisture.
Vinegar and water works for tougher dirt. Mix 1 cup vinegar per gallon of water.
For stubborn spots, use a wood floor spot cleaner formulated for polyurethane finishes. Avoid oil soap.
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains and water damage.
Place walk-off mats at entrances to minimize tracked-in dirt. Area rugs protect high traffic areas.
Keep humidity moderate year-round. Use humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed.
Apply floor protectors on furniture legs to prevent scuffs and scratches.
Avoid walking on the floor with cleats, sports shoes or high heels.
Do not use steam mops or wet mopping methods which may damage the wood.

Signs Your Maple Floor Needs Refinishing

Maple floors require refinishing periodically to keep them looking like new. Refinish when these signs appear:

Noticeable discoloration, cloudiness, or dull areas in the finish
Visible wear patterns in high traffic areas
Scratches, gouges or dents that cannot be removed by cleaning
Finish is peeling or flaking away
Existing finish has started cracking or crazing
Fading, yellowing or darkening of the floor color
Slipperiness develops despite regular cleaning
Visible differences between old and newer boards during spot repairs
White spots forming due to moisture damage of the finish

FAQ About Maple Flooring

Is maple flooring a good choice for dogs or pets?

Yes, maple is dense and durable enough to stand up well to pet nails and withstand accidents. Keep nails trimmed, promptly clean messes, and refinish scratches periodically. Use area rugs in high pet traffic zones.

How long does maple flooring last?

With proper installation and maintenance, maple floors can last 50 years or longer before needing full replacement. Expect to refinish every 5-10 years for residential use.

Does maple flooring add value to a home?

Quality wood flooring like maple generally offers a positive return on investment by increasing a home’s value. The National Association of Realtors lists hardwood floors, including maple, as a highly desirable feature among home buyers.

Can you install maple flooring over concrete?

Yes, gluing down maple flooring over concrete is an option. The wood has to be thick enough (3/4″ minimum) to prevent the solid boards from cracking. Use an appropriate wood flooring adhesive made for concrete substrates.

Is maple good for radiant heat flooring?

Maple can be used over radiant heating systems, but thicker boards are required. Look for solid 3/4″ thick maple or a top layer of at least 1/2″ on engineered boards. Follow manufacturer guidelines for proper installation.

Does maple flooring scratch easily?

Maple is softer than oak so it will show scratches, scuffs, and dents more readily. Keeping nails trimmed, using felt pads under furniture legs, avoiding high heels, and prompt refinishing helps minimize this issue. Area rugs also provide scratch protection.

Conclusion

With all of its positive qualities, maple hardwood flooring deserves its popularity among homeowners. Going in informed allows you to choose the appropriate grade, width, and installation method to get the results you want. Understanding maple’s ideal uses and inherent limitations ensures your new floor stands the test of time. Considering all these factors will set you up for success with your maple hardwood floor investment.

What to Know About Maple Hardwood Flooring Before You Buy

Maple hardwood flooring is an attractive, durable, and affordable choice for many homeowners. However, there are some important factors to weigh before deciding if maple is the best species for your new hardwood floor. This guide covers everything you need to know before buying maple flooring.

Advantages of Maple Flooring

There are several reasons why maple makes an excellent hardwood flooring material:

Hardness and Durability – The dense structure of maple makes it very resistant to wear, indentation, and scratching from regular foot traffic. Maple rates 1,450 on the Janka hardness scale. This hardness translates to exceptional durability. With proper care, a maple wood floor can last 50+ years.
Timeless Appearance – The fine, straight grain of maple provides a smooth surface that creates a clean, refined look. Maple floors have a timeless elegance suited to both traditional and contemporary home decor.
Stain Versatility – The minimal grain and general whitish color of maple take stain very evenly. This allows maple floors to be customized with different stains to achieve colors ranging from nearly white to deep walnut tones.
Affordability – Maple costs less than premium domestic woods like oak or imported exotic species. Maple provides a high-quality hardwood flooring option on a reasonable budget for many homeowners.
Eco-Friendly Resource – Maple is a fast-growing and plentiful species sourced from sustainable managed forests in North America. Choosing maple supports responsible environmental stewardship.

Things to Consider with Maple Flooring

While maple has many positive traits, there are also some potential drawbacks:

Susceptibility to Moisture Damage – Maple absorbs water more readily than denser exotics or domestic oak. Maple flooring can cup, swell, buckle, and warp if overexposed to moisture, whether from high humidity, flooding, leaks, or other excess water.
Softer Than Oak – Maple’s density makes it slightly more prone to dents and scratches compared to red or white oak. While still very durable overall, maple will show signs of wear sooner than oak when subjected to the same foot traffic.
Not Good for Extreme Climate Conditions – Maple performs best in average humidity and temperature environments. The cycles of very dry and humid periods in desert or lakes