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1st Grade Maple Herringbone with Walnut Border, Silver Spring,
MD Private residence, completed 2002 Acrylic finish
Shawn Gorman lining 2nd & Better Maple Gym floor, Marine
Barracks Washington DC, completed 2003. Oil finish
Hard Maple
Acer saccharum, Acer nigrum
Other Names: Sugar Maple, Black Maple
The hard maple is the state tree of Wisconsin, Vermont, New York and West
Virginia. In the North, during the cold nights and warm days of late winter, the
sugar maple is tapped for its sucrose-containing sap, the source of maple syrup.
It may take up to 30 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup. Early American
settlers used maple ashes to make soap and Native Americans crafted their spears
from hard maple. Until the turn of the century, the heels of women's shoes were
made from maple. Maple has been a favorite of American furniture makers since
early Colonial days. Hard maple is the standard wood for cutting boards because
it imparts no taste to food and holds up well.
DISTRIBUTION
Eastern U.S., principally Mid-Atlantic and Lake states. A cold weather tree
favoring a more northerly climate.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The sapwood is creamy white with a slight reddish brown tinge and the heartwood
varies from light to dark reddish brown. The amount of darker brown heartwood
can vary significantly according to growing region. Both sapwood and heartwood
can contain pith fleck. The wood has a close fine, uniform texture and is
generally straight-grained, but it can also occur as "curly," "fiddleback," and
"birds-eye" figure.
WORKING PROPERTIES
Hard maple dries slowly with high shrinkage, so it can be susceptible to
movement in performance. Pre-boring is recommended when nailing and screwing.
With care it machines well, turns well, glues satisfactorily, and can be stained
to an outstanding finish. Polishes well and is suitable for enamel finishes and
brown tones.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
The wood is hard and heavy with good strength properties, in particular its high
resistance to abrasion and wear. It also has good steam-bending properties.
AVAILABILITY
Widely available. The higher quality grades of lumber are available selected for
white color (sapwood) although this can limit availability. Figured maple
(birds-eye, curly, fiddleback) is generally only available in commercial volumes
as veneer.
MAIN USES
Flooring, furniture, paneling, ballroom and gymnasium floors, kitchen cabinets,
worktops, table tops, butchers blocks, toys, and kitchenware, millwork: stairs,
handrails, mouldings, and doors.
RELATIVE ABUNDANCE
4 percent of U.S. hardwoods commercially available.
MFMA NORTHERN HARD MAPLE FLOORING
MFMA Northern Hard Maple is a dense, strong, remarkably hard and supremely
durable product. MFMA Northern Hard Maple offers a wide range of uses and color
possibilities. MFMA Northern Hard Maple is close-grained, hard-fibered, free
from slivering and splintering, and polishes well under friction. MFMA Northern
Hard Maple flooring has a natural beauty when given a transparent finish and is
suited for a variety of uses.
Because wood is a natural product, it is subject to color variations resulting
from differing growing conditions. The color of maple heartwood is brownish -
the sapwood is much lighter. Consistency of color cannot be controlled in the
manufacturing process, and color variation is not a grading defect.
Hard maple has an unusual ability to resist pointed pressure without abrasion.
It is easily covered with attractive finishes.
Application Guide
First Grade MFMA Hard Maple
The highest grade. An extremely durable and desirable floor for any
building, particularly suitable for gymnasiums, handball and racquetball
courts, school classrooms, dance floors, churches, hospitals, hotels,
offices, clubs, apartments, homes and other applications where fine
appearance and long wear are desired. |
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Industry Standards
 | Face practically defect free. |
| Strip lengths 9 in. to 8 ft. as stock will produce; not
more than 55% of total lineal footage will be in bundles under 4 ft.; not
more than 25% will be in 2 ft. bundles; and not more than 10% will be in
1-1/4 ft. bundles. In the case of nested flooring, the maximum average
number of pieces under 1-1/4 ft. per bundle shall be 9.6 l.f. |
|
Second & Better Grade MFMA
Hard Maple
This grade will provide the same long life and low maintenance performance
as First Grade. Second & Better Grade is an ideal choice for gymnasiums,
handball and racquetball courts, multipurpose rooms, school shops and
cafeterias, industrial plants, offices, commercial buildings and residences. |
|
Industry Standards:
| Admits tight knots and slight imperfections.
|
| Strip lengths 9 in. to 8 ft. as stock will produce; not
more than 60% of total lineal footage will be in bundles under 4 ft.; not
more than 27% will be in 2 ft. bundles; and not more than 15% will be in
1-1/4 ft. bundles. In the case of nested flooring, the maximum average
number of pieces under 1-1/4 ft. per bundle shall be 14.4 l.f. |
|
Third Grade MFMA Hard Maple
This grade gives excellent performance for gymnasiums, multipurpose rooms,
cafeterias, factories, warehouses and kindred uses where good wearing
qualities are required together with medium cost and appearance. |
|
Industry Standards:
| Strip lengths 9 in. to 8 ft. as stock will produce; not
more than 85% of total lineal footage will be in bundles of under 4 ft.;
and not more than 55% will be in 1-1/4 ft. bundles. In the case of nested
flooring, the maximum average number of pieces under 1-1/4 ft. per bundle
shall be 52.8 l.f. |
|
Length Distribution by Grades
| Grade/ Length |
Less Than 42" |
Less Than 30" |
Less Than 18" * |
| First |
Maximum
55% Allowed |
Maximum
35% Allowed |
Maximum
10% Allowed |
Second
and Better |
Maximum
60% Allowed |
Maximum
42% Allowed |
Maximum
15% Allowed |
Third
and Better |
Maximum
70% Allowed |
Maximum
55% Allowed |
Maximum
25% Allowed |
| Third |
Maximum
85% Allowed |
Maximum
75% Allowed |
Maximum
40% Allowed |
| Utility |
Mill Option |
Mill Option |
Mill Option |
The above chart reflects maximum allowable
average percentage of lineal footage of 2-1/4" flooring per pallet, by grade.
All percentages are inclusive.
*No piece shorter than 9" admitted.
Beech and Birch Flooring
These rules also apply to beech (Fagus grandifolia) and birch (Betula
alleghaniensis) flooring.
HOW TO SPECIFY MFMA-RL (RANDOM LENGTH) NORTHERN HARD
MAPLE FLOORING
MFMA-RL (Random Length) strip flooring is specified in the same manner as
MFMA-FJ (Finger Jointed) and MFMA-PQ (Parquet) Northern Hard Maple
flooring. For example, when ordering, requesting or specifying MFMA-RL
(Random Length) Northern Hard Maple flooring, specify as "MFMA-RL" and
list the grade, required species, and thickness. A typical specification should
appear as follows:
2.1 Materials
A. Flooring shall be MFMA-RL First Grade Northern Hard Maple, 25/32"
thick x 2-1/4" wide; T & G and EM; grade marked and stamped as produced by an
MFMA member manufacturer.
MFMA-RL (RANDOM LENGTH) NORTHERN HARD MAPLE FLOORING
GRADING RULES
MFMA-RL (Random Length)
First Grade Northern Hard Maple
The highest standard grade. MFMA maple is an extremely durable and desirable
flooring for any building; particularly suitable for fine homes, apartments,
churches, clubs, dance floors, gymnasiums, handball and racquetball courts,
school classrooms, hospitals, hotels, offices, roller-skating rinks, and other
applications where fine appearance and long wear are desired. With the use of
some finishes, slight shadows and color variations may appear.
This grade of MFMA-RL Northern Hard Maple combines appearance and
durability and has a face free of defects that will materially mar the
appearance of the finished floor or impair its durability. A practical
application of this rule will admit variations in the natural color of the wood;
an occasional small, firm pin knot not over 1/8" in diameter, provided it does
not occur on edges or ends of strips; occasional dark green or black spots or
streaks not over 1/4" wide and 3" long (or its equivalent) which may contain a
slight check not over 1/2" long, providing it is boxed within the piece;
bird's-eyes and small burls; a slightly torn grain; or similar defect which can
be readily removed by the ordinary method of smoothing the floor when it is
laid.
Bark streaks shall not be permitted. A slightly shallow place not over 12" long
on the underside of flooring, if it does not extend to either end of the piece,
and an otherwise perfect tongue which is one-half short for 25 percent of length
of piece are admissible, but the face must be free of shake, and the wood must
be live and sound.
MFMA-RL (Random Length)
Second and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade of MFMA-RL maple will provide the same long life and low
maintenance performance as MFMA-RL First Grade Northern Hard Maple.
MFMA-RL Second and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple is an ideal choice for
gymnasiums, handball and racquetball courts, multipurpose rooms, cafeterias and
shops in schools, industrial plants, offices, commercial buildings, and
residences.
This grade admits tight, sound knots, provided they do not occur on edges or
ends of strips; distinct color variations; numerous dark green or black spots or
streaks - provided they do not occur in combination with predominately dark
heartwood; slight checks not exceeding 3" in length and running parallel with
and well inside the edges and ends of the strip; dark spots or streaks with
slight checks in center; small rough spots which cannot be wholly removed by the
ordinary method of smoothing the floor when it is laid; slightly torn edges;
short tongue if sufficient to hold properly in the floor; shallow or waney back
if piece has sufficient bearings of full thickness to support it in the floor;
and slight variation in angle of end matching. With the use of some finishes,
light sticker shadow and color variations may appear. While these and similar
features are admissible, sufficient attention is given to appearance to make
this grade desirable and satisfactory for use in stores, schools, factories, and
similar places where superficial defects and blemishes are not a real factor of
consideration. The face must be free of shake, and the wood must be live and
sound. Bark streaks shall not be permitted.
MFMA-RL (Random Length)
Third and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade of MFMA-RL maple is comprised of a mixture of all other grades
of MFMA-RL Northern Hard Maple. The lowest grade admissible shall not be
less than MFMA-RL Third Grade Northern Hard Maple. MFMA-RL Third
and Better Grade Northern Hard Maple is suited for nearly any application where
variations in appearance are not an aesthetic concern. This grade can be
produced as a mill run product provided it contains a minimum of 60% MFMA-RL
Second and Better Northern Hard Maple; however it can also be produced by mixing
60% MFMA-RL Second and Better Northern Hard Maple and 40% MFMA-RL
Third Grade Northern Hard Maple. This grade allows defects as described in other
grades of MFMA-RL Northern Hard Maple flooring.
MFMA-RL (Random Length)
Third Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade of MFMA-RL maple is an ideal choice for gymnasiums,
multipurpose rooms, cafeterias and shops in schools, industrial plants, offices,
commercial buildings and residences. MFMA-RL Third Grade Northern Hard
Maple gives excellent performance in recreation rooms, factories, warehouses,
grain storage and other farm buildings, and rooms of antique decoration where a
unique floor is desired. MFMA-RL Third Grade Northern Hard Maple is
suitable for kindred uses where good wearing qualities are required together
with medium cost and appearance. This grade may contain all defects common to
maple, but the wood must be firm and serviceable. It will not admit voids on
edges or ends, or knot holes over 3/8" in diameter; partially unsound knots
where the unsound portion is over 1" in diameter; or shakes, heart checks, badly
split ends and imperfections in manufacture which materially impair the
serviceability of the flooring for the purpose intended.
MFMA-RL (Random Length)
Utility Grade Northern Hard Maple
This grade of MFMA-RL maple may contain all defects common to maple, but
the wood must be firm and serviceable. MFMA-RL Utility Grade Northern
Hard Maple will not admit voids on edges or ends, or knot holes over 3/8" in
diameter; partially unsound knots where the unsound portion is over 1" in
diameter; or shakes, heart checks, badly split ends and imperfections in
manufacture which materially impair the serviceability of the flooring for the
purpose intended. Individual strips in this grade have no minimum length
requirements.
RULES GOVERNING REINSPECTION
Even the most experienced inspectors will occasionally misgrade some pieces.
Therefore:
Shipments shall be considered to be the grade invoiced if, upon inspection by an
official inspector of the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association, 95 percent
or more, in feet, is found to be of grade invoiced. Where the degrades are in
excess of 5 percent, in feet, of the shipment, the degrades in excess of the 5
percent shall be the property of the manufacturer of the flooring.
The quality of the flooring in the condition in which it leaves the manufacturer
is held to govern the grade, as subsequent lack of care and improper treatment
in laying, sanding, or finishing are not chargeable to the manufacturer.
In the event that the amount below grade is found to be 5 percent or less, in
feet, of the total amount of the item, the cost of reinspection shall be borne
by the complainant. If more than 5 percent in feet, the expense shall be borne
by the manufacturer of the flooring.
For dispute resolution contact MFMA. Specific "Guidelines for Reinspection" are
available upon request. In any dispute involving the grade of the flooring
material where an MFMA reinspection is requested, the determination of the MFMA
inspector shall prevail.
USES OF DIFFERENT THICKNESSES
The 25/32" thickness is most commonly used for general purposes.
The 33/32" thickness, with its additional wearing surface and load carrying
ability, is recommended where floors are subjected to extraordinary strain and
wear.
Jointed (also called Square-Edged) flooring has the advantage of easy
replacement in industrial floors.
SIZES OF MFMA-RL
(RANDOM LENGTH) NORTHERN
HARD MAPLE FLOORING
| Tongued and Grooved Flooring |
|
Thicknesses |
|
| 25/32" |
1.984cm (19.84mm) |
| 33/32" |
2.619cm (26.19mm) |
| Face Widths |
|
| 1-1/2" |
3.810cm (38.10mm) |
| 2-1/4" |
5.715cm (57.15mm) |
| 3-1/4" |
8.255cm (82.55mm) |
|
Jointed Flooring |
| Thicknesses |
|
| 25/32" |
1.984cm (57.15mm) |
| 33/32" |
2.619cm (26.19mm) |
| Face Widths |
|
| 2-1/4" |
5.715cm (57.15mm) |
| 3-1/4" |
8.255cm (82.55mm) |
| 3-1/2" |
8.890cm (88.90mm) |
CARE OF FLOORING AFTER DELIVERY
MFMA-RL (Random Length) Northern Hard Maple flooring is made from lumber
kiln-dried to the proper moisture content. After kiln drying, the lumber is
air-cooled and cut into strips, accurately milled, carefully graded, bundled,
and stored in a dry, well-ventilated warehouse.
PURPOSE
Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) provides these Random Length
Flooring Grading Rules, including proposals on care, as a guide to specifiers,
architects, end users, and other professionals. MFMA, its members and employees,
do not warrant the information contained herein as proper under all conditions.
MFMA reserves the right to revise these Random Length Flooring Grading Rules as
necessary.
Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association
60 Revere Drive, Suite 500
Northbrook, IL 60062 U.S.A.
847/480-9138 FAX: 847/480-9282
http://www.maplefloor.org
E-mail: MFMA@maplefloor.org
Rev. 10/00
© Copyright 2001 Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association: All
rights reserved.
MFMA Maple Flooring
The Logical Choice for Your Home
Over 100 years of research, application and unmatched product performance
have made MFMA northern hard maple solid strip flooring the most widely
specified and installed sports surface in North America. With such a reputation,
it's no wonder that MFMA Maple is quickly becoming the preferred flooring
material for residential applications as well.
Wood flooring is quickly regaining a strong market share in the floor
covering industry. More and more homeowners and commercial tenants are turning
to the natural beauty of wood for aesthetic and health benefits. The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is currently working to
regulate indoor air quality. According to their list of poor air quality
sources, carpeting, among many other sources inside the home and office,
contributes to poor air quality due to its makeup of alcohols, formaldehyde,
4-methylethyl-benzene,4-phenylcyclohexene, and styrene.
Within the selection of wood floors, consumer preferences are shifting toward
lighter colored woods. MFMA northern hard maple is regarded as the premium
specie among hardwoods. MFMA maple is dense, strong, remarkably hard and
extremely durable. Its unique character offers a wide range of uses and a
natural lighter color that complements all home furnishings from ultra
contemporary to country decor. The quality of this premium hardwood begins in
the northern forests above the 35th parallel where shorter growing seasons and
longer winters produce a densely-grained maple with rich, consistent color and
fewer imperfections.
MFMA Maple is subject to stringent grading rules which create three grade
choices: First, Second & Better and Third Grade. First Grade is the most
commonly used in the residential market. For more detailed information, you may
contact MFMA Headquarters for a copy of their booklet, Grading Rules for
Hard Maple, or ask your installer for a copy. The MFMA Certification
Mark embossed on the underside of every strip certifies that the flooring is
guaranteed by the manufacturer to conform to the MFMA-established standards
covering species, quality and grade. Each piece is also marked with the MFMA
mill identification number. Without these markings, the flooring is not
certified by MFMA for grade, quality or specie.
The following is a resource guide provided by the MFMA for those who may be
considering installing maple flooring in their home or business. We recommend
these items be discussed with the MFMA flooring installer BEFORE installation
begins.
Typical Widths & Thicknesses
MFMA maple flooring is manufactured in the following widths: 1-1/2", 2-1/4" and
3-1/4".
MFMA solid strip flooring is available in two thicknesses; 25/32" (most
commonly selected) and 33/32".
Bleaching & Staining
Due to the extremely tight cellular structure and the variable grain patterns
inherent in northern hard maple, the MFMA does not recommend bleaching or
staining. Northern hard maple does not stain and/or bleach uniformly and
attempts to bleach or stain may result in a mottled, blotchy appearance.
Moisture Control
Wood is a hygroscopic material. When exposed to varying temperatures and
humidities, it will release or absorb moisture until it is at equilibrium with
the home's surrounding atmosphere. Moisture absorption causes wood to swell;
moisture loss causes wood to shrink. The MFMA recommends that the environment
(where the maple will be installed) be stable when the flooring materials arrive
-- air temperature between 55 and 75 degrees and relative humidity between 35
and 50 percent. To properly acclimate, the maple should be stored in the room
where it will be installed. After installation, maple flooring, as is the case
with all wood flooring products, typically requires a year or two to further
stabilize through a complete cycle of seasonal changes. The floor will continue
to respond to environmental changes throughout its life span.
As a homeowner, it is very important for you to understand how dry or humid
conditions will affect your wood flooring. All wood will react to changing
environmental conditions.
Separations - The appearance of shrinkage cracks during dry
winter months is common and expected. These separations will normally close in
the spring and early summer, as the floor picks up moisture from the air. We
recommend the use of a humidification/ dehumidification system in your home to
maintain proper humidity levels. Remember, maple is a very light colored wood.
Shrinkage separations in the range of 1/64" to 1/32"
will be noticeable due to the break in color between the strips. Noticeable
shrinkage and/or expansion may occur with indoor relative humidity variations in
excess of 15 percent. If cracks persist, and the indoor atmosphere has been
maintained properly, contact your flooring installer.
Squeaks - Squeaks in the floor can also be caused by the
expansion/contraction cycles and can be minimized by maintaining a constant
indoor environment (see above).
Cupping - A "washboard" appearance across the width of one piece of
flooring has only one cause: moisture imbalance through the thickness where the
moisture content is higher on the bottom of the board than the top. The moisture
source, be it excessive relative humidity or water leakage, must be eliminated
before any remedial work is performed.
Radiant Heat
MFMA maple flooring may be installed over concrete slabs in which radiant
heating pipes are embedded. Slightly higher water temperatures may be required,
however, and boiler temperature should be controlled to limit the temperature of
the slab surface to about 85 degrees. There are a number of important
precautions to follow in this situation. Please discuss these with your MFMA
flooring installer.
Sealers & Finishes
There are many different types of penetrating sealers and surface finishes
available for your solid hardwood floor. While sealers can be used alone on the
floor, generally, they are applied as an undercoat for a finish. In the finish
category, polyurethanes, moisture-cured urethanes, Swedish finish, and
water-based urethanes are the typical products applied. Advantages and
disadvantages are inherent in each product. We recommend that you discuss these
options with your MFMA flooring contractor.
Maintenance
Never use water on wood. Soaps, detergents, "oil soaps," wax removers, polishers
and so on, will damage the wood and finish and leave a discoloring residue,
making refinishing difficult. It is very important to keep the floor surface
free from dust grit, sand and abrasive particles. Dust mopping and vacuuming at
least once a week is recommended. Cleaning agents are also available for use on
the finished floor. Ask your installer or finish manufacturer for
more information.
We are confident that you will enjoy your MFMA maple flooring for many years
to come. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, most MFMA maple floors will
last for generations. That's a product well worth investing in!
Established in 1897, the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association is a trade
association representing the maple flooring industry. We hope this booklet has
been helpful to you. Should you have any additional questions or if you would
like to receive a list of our members, please call us at 847/480-9138, or write:
MFMA, 60 Revere Drive, Suite #500, Northbrook, Illinois 60062. E-mail:
mfma@maplefloor.org
www.maplefloor.org
Disclaimer: The MFMA Residential Flooring Brochure has been designed to
provide general information to specifiers, distributors and consumers. The MFMA,
its members, officers and agents disclaim any responsibility whatsoever for the
accuracy or applicability of these guidelines under all circumstances and
conditions.
Copyright ©1998, 1995 Maple Flooring Manufacturers
Association, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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