Any structural use of Maple?

[woodlandfarms]

So we have a ton of maple trees on our property (well, not a ton but enough). A few of them have to go. They are nice 50ft and straight, maybe 24 to 30 inches at the base.

I know I can use it in furniture (have no clue how to make furniture but that is a different conversation). Is maple any good for structural construction? I think not as I have never seen it used except for fashion items.

Hate to burn it up but....

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Around here occupied buildings have to be made with stamped lumber.

 

[kf4uda]

A furniture maker around your area might be interested in buying your logs or even working out a trade. Might be worth a little time to ask around.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Big straight maples, that lumber will be of interest. This outfit is pretty well known:
Cascade Hardwood Group | Alder and Maple Hardwood from the Pacific Northwest

 

[woodlandfarms]

Downsize, thanks for the link. Had not heard of them.

But let me rephrase. Is Maple a suitable lumber for building an outbuilding? If I where to slab it up, would I be able to use it? I think it is a very wet wood so might just take too long to dry....

 

[wolftree]

woodlandfarms,

What species of maple? That will make a big difference.

 

[hr3]

So we have a ton of maple trees on our property (well, not a ton but enough). A few of them have to go. They are nice 50ft and straight, maybe 24 to 30 inches at the base.

I know I can use it in furniture (have no clue how to make furniture but that is a different conversation). Is maple any good for structural construction? I think not as I have never seen it used except for fashion items.

Hate to burn it up but....

Mechanical Properties of North American Hardwoods

I used some years ago for the base of a tool shed,, used an Alaskan saw mill to cut it up.. It's still standing,,

 

[motownbrowne]

woodlandfarms,

What species of maple? That will make a big difference.

I'm not the op, but I'd guess that they're bigleaf maples. That's what grows in Washington anyway.

As for your question, yes, you ought to be able to build an outbuilding with it. You can check the strength rating of wood by species online. There aren't too many types of wood you can't build a shed with.

 

[tcreeley]

It is not used for structural wood because it has more value as a hardwood. It is a stronger wood than pine, spruce, and hemlock. But being a hardwood, it is more difficult to work with, and drying is more of an issue.

MapleInfo.org - Maple Lumber Properties & Uses

 

[woodlandfarms]

Yup. Big Leaf (The leaves on these trees are like 12" across - crazy huge).

And thanks for all the notes. I am going to stare at it long enough to see if I can make furniture. I own, and am a huge fan of atomic modern, especially heywood wakefield furniture (our house in LA is a 50's modern)

Just not sure I have the patience or skill for woodworking.

 

[lockhaven]

if you decide to go into wood working, start simple and small. Otherwise you could get frustrated and give up. I love it except for the high cost of quality material and equipment.

 

[SHORT KID]

A big lumber outfit might be interested in that wood for venier.

 

[CobyRupert]

The link confirms they're very strong. Antidotally, you know they're strong and brave as they rarely snap off or jump out of the way when a car or truck runs into them. I'd think they'd be a little heavier, say if you making and raising 2"x4" walls, but as carrier beams, headers, jousts, go for it.