Traditionally one of the most common uses for Hard Maple lumber is in cabinetry. Markets are always changing, but over the last few years we have seen that some customers that use 4/4” 1 and 2 Common Soft Maple are shifting over to Hard Maple. Why are some customers making the jump? Due to the value it provides.

With a larger average log size, Hard Maple logs provide a higher amount of white fiber (sapwood) which is desirable among cabinet manufactures, even those who end up painting the end product. With the current market pricing in that grade and thickness the prices between Hard Maple and Soft Maple are comparable. So it makes sense to go with Hard Maple. But beyond just price, customers in a variety of industries find the sourcing location of their Hard Maple is an important consideration for them.

Hard Maple has a vast growing region that ranges from Minnesota to Maine and from Canada down through Kentucky. Depending on its use, over the years Hard Maple from the New York region seems to be one of the preferred sources for Hard Maple lumber. As a supplier who operates several hardwood sawmills and lumber yards in New York, we can understand the reasons why!

When sourcing Hard Maple for our sawmills much of the timber that we procure comes from private landowners. The foresters on our team develop partnerships with the landowners that extend through the entire forest management process, from project planning, timber selection, harvesting, and restoration.

With sawmills located throughout New York state, (Smyrna, Boonville, Allegany, Owego, Cayuta, Davenport, and Nineveh) the spread of facility locations throughout the state provides us with an ability to maximize log procurement while at the same time transporting logs to the closest sawmill. These include recognized sawmill brands such as Wagner Lumber, Potter Lumber and Greene Lumber. It is also important to note that we also benefit from the fact that our sawmills are co-located, or within close proximity, to our hardwood lumber yards. 

How does this benefit customers? It allows us to provide improved lumber quality overall, by offering Hard Maple lumber that has similar characteristics, grain patterns and color from locations throughout New York.

Our sawmills regularly saw Hard Maple in thicknesses from 4/4 to 8/4. Occasionally we will cut 10/4, 12/4 or 16/4. By owning the process from start to finish, and dealing directly with land owners and loggers from the beginning, it helps us produce some of the finest Hard Maple in the industry. 

If you use Hard Maple lumber in in your production and have not considered New York hard maple recently, give us a call. We would be happy to help assist you in getting the hardwood lumber that is right for you.