Maple has a closed grain that gives it a soft, even texture. While the grain is generally straight, it can also appear curly, wavy, or striped. Sometimes there is pronounced color variation when maple is exposed to intense light, although a UV protector applied during the manufacture of flooring limits this variation.

Maple sapwood is generally white with a slight reddish-brown tint: the heartwood is reddish brown and sometimes quite dark.

Maple: A timeless classic!

There are 13 species of maple in North America, 10 of which grow in Canada. Hard Maple is found in the eastern United States and Canada. Maple syrup is produced from the sap. Hard Maple can reach a height of 120 ft. (37 m) and a diameter of 3 ft. (1 m). In the forest, maples can have a clear trunk, free of branches for up to 60 ft. (18 m).

Hard Maple and Black Maple are hardwoods. Other species, such as Silver and Red Maple are considered softwoods. Some manufacturers offer maple floors without specifying that they are using soft species. These floors are much less impact-resistant.

Marks, scratches, or imperfections are more noticeable because of the close, even grain and pale color. The more open grain of oak and ash hides marks better. A matte finish will help make marks less noticeable.