Looking for a unique aesthetic for your wood furniture? Wormy soft maple, also known as ambrosia maple, is a striking wood with a fascinating story (spoiler alert – there are no worms involved!) A popular wood for furniture, joinery, flooring and veneering and even cutting boards, wormy maple is beautiful, strong and affordable. What gives this wood its unique appearance? Is it a good wood for furniture that will last? Read on to learn more!
What is wormy maple?
Wormy soft maple refers to lumber with dark grey streaks. This discoloration occurs in the maple species called Acer Rubrum, otherwise known as red maple. Even though it is called wormy, the streaks are not caused by a worm at all (but rather a beetle – see below!) In the past, wormy maple was considered a lower grade lumber, and only used for furniture where the wood would be upholstered or otherwise covered. However, ambrosia maple is now a highly sought out wood. We celebrate the irregular, worm-like streaks as a unique decorative feature, causing wormy maple to grow in demand and cost.
Why is it called ambrosia maple?
The worm-like streaks on wormy maple lumber are actually caused by a beetle. Ambrosia beetles, to be specific – hence the name. Impregnated Ambrosia beetles burrow into soft maple trees to deposit their larvae. The shallow channel they make, combined with a fungus, causes the discolored streaks. Thus, wormy maple and ambrosia maple are exactly the same. Ambrosia maple is merely a different name for the same wood.
Is wormy maple a quality wood for furniture?
Wormy soft maple lumber is not considered a defective lumber. The colored streaks are still structurally sound and do not affect the stability and durability of the wood. When grading the wood, we refer to the lumber as “soft maple – worm holes – no defects (WHND)”. Therefore, ambrosia maple is a highly desirable wood, and an excellent choice for strong furniture that will last.
Is ambrosia maple hard or soft?
Ambrosia maple, or wormy maple, is classified as a hardwood, albeit a softer hardwood. It has a 940 rating on the Janka hardness scale. (The Janka scale is a test to measure the hardness of a wood. It involves measuring the force required to embed a 1.44 inch steel ball halfway into a piece of wood.) In comparison to wormy maple, cherry has similar score of 950, but hard maple is significantly higher at 1450.
Do wormy maple and walnut go well together?
Yes! The striking contrast between wormy maple and walnut makes the combination of woods a popular choice. The dark walnut wood frames pale ambrosia maple wood beautifully, and accentuates its dark streaks. This combination of woods is popularly finished with a Natural stain, allowing the natural color of the woods to be brought to the fore.
Love contrasting wood tones for a look that's unique and bold? Learn the do's and don'ts of mixing woods in décor.Is ambrosia maple expensive?
Due to its increasing popularity, the price of ambrosia maple has gone up somewhat. However, as part of the soft brown maple family, it is still an economical choice for wood. Ambrosia maple is less expensive than other hardwoods like cherry, hard maple, walnut or elm.
Is ambrosia maple rare?
Ambrosia maple is rare, relative to soft brown maple. This is because there is no actual ambrosia maple tree. Rather, the ambrosia beetle causes lumber fungal infestations and leaves discolored trails. However, ambrosia maple is not classified as an exotic wood. Although its increasing popularity has pushed up the price somewhat, it remains an inexpensive wood choice for furniture.
Wormy Maple vs Maple
Unlike some people think, wormy maple wood is not a distinct species of wood. It is merely a discoloration that occurs in regular maple wood Acer Rubrum. Therefore, wormy maple and regular brown maple share exactly the same properties. The wood is a pale brown or tan color with reddish tints, with a smooth and subtle grain pattern. The only difference between ambrosia maple and brown maple is the grey worm-like streaks that are caused by the Ambrosia beetle.
Debating between the pros and cons of various wood types? Check out Cabinfield's comprehensive glossary of different types of wood for furniture.Ambrosia Maple Furniture Inspiration
Ambrosia maple furniture adds a unique and rustic charm to any living space. Its natural wood grain patterns and occasional wormholes create a distinctive look that can enhance the character of a room. Whether it’s for a living room, dining room, or bedroom, ambrosia maple furniture offers a timeless appeal with its warm tones and organic texture.
Living Room
Wormy maple living room furniture exudes rustic elegance with its natural wood grain and occasional wormholes, adding character and warmth to the space. Its unique texture and rich tones create a cozy ambiance, perfect for relaxing and entertaining in style.
Dining Room
Ambrosia maple dining room furniture infuses a rustic elegance into the space, with its distinctive grain patterns and occasional wormholes adding character to each piece. An ambrosia maple dining table makes an especially eye-catching focal point for the heart of your home.
Bedroom
Wormy maple bedroom furniture infuses a cozy and rustic vibe into any sleeping space. Its natural woodgrain and occasional wormholes create a charming and unique ambiance, perfect for a comfortable and inviting bedroom retreat.
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Is ambrosia maple furniture worth it?
In summary, ambrosia maple is an eye-catching choice for wood furniture. The distinct grey discolored streaks throughout the lumber lend the wood a unique beauty. Each ambrosia maple furniture piece is truly one-of-a-kind. Other benefits of this popular wood include durability and affordability. With its fascinating background involving impregnated beetles, ambrosia maple furniture tells the wondrous story of Mother Nature.
Amish furniture at Cabinfield is completely custom made, so you can choose your favorite American hardwood and stain finish. Discover handcrafted furniture with the solid wood integrity you love!