Curly Maple
Also known as Tiger Maple, Flame Maple, Fiddleback Maple.
Acer spp. (Sapindaceae) · Northeastern North America
Curly maple is figured hard or soft maple whose wavy grain throws light in shimmering, three-dimensional bands — the "tiger stripe" that instrument makers and furniture builders prize. It is the same tough, close-grained maple you know, dressed up in its best.
That figure is a joy to finish and a challenge to machine: interlocked, wavy grain tears easily, so it rewards sharp tools, light passes, and a scraper. A dye or oil finish makes the curl leap off the surface. We hand-select curly stock for guitar tops, table aprons, and accent panels — because figure varies board to board, it is worth talking through your project so we can pull the right pieces.
Appearance
Color. Creamy white to light golden, with the curl catching light in bright, shifting bands.
Grain. Wavy, undulating grain that creates the chatoyant "curl."
Texture. Fine, even texture.
Working & finishing
The very figure that makes it beautiful also makes it tear — take light cuts, keep tools sharp, and finish-sand or scrape to avoid chip-out. Finishes spectacularly, especially with a dye or oil that pops the curl.
Drying. Dries with moderate movement; stable once dry.
Durability
Non-durable; an interior wood.
Common uses
Looking for Curly Maple?
We stock and mill a wide range of species and grades. Tell us your sizes and we'll confirm availability and pricing — usually within one business day.