All About Maple Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood maple has long been a favourite in Canadian homes, and for good reason: sturdy, light and timeless, it works just as well in a contemporary space as in a rustic setting.

Whether you’re looking for natural maple flooring for a soft, airy feel or oiled maple flooring with a touch of elegance, here’s everything you need to know to make a smart choice.

The essence of a truly Canadian wood

Maple wood is without doubt one of Canada’s most iconic hardwoods. A national symbol, its leaf proudly sits on our flag, and sugar maple warms us every spring with its sweet syrup. When it comes to flooring, this wood stands out for its density and fine maple wood grain.

There are two main types:

Hard maple: this includes sugar maple and black maple. Among the toughest species (1,450 on the Janka scale), it’s perfect for high-traffic areas.

Soft maple: this covers red maple and silver maple. About 25% softer than sugar maple, it’s still tougher than woods like pine.

The benefits of maple hardwood flooring

Refined look: its fine, uniform grain gives a clean, bright finish.
Durability: handles daily bumps and scratches with ease.
Versatility: works beautifully with many styles, from rustic maple flooring to more modern finishes.
Added value: a long-lasting investment that boosts your home’s appeal.

Shades and finishes: from natural to bleached

At Déco Surfaces, you’ll find a wide range of maple wood types to suit all tastes:

Natural Maple

Maple Bain de lumière

A creamy shade that’s slightly warmer than “candlelight”, with subtle blond and honey undertones. A few discreet streaks give it a bit of movement, but overall, it stays smooth and light.

Silver Maple Lumière de chandelle

Similar to Natural Maple, but with a cooler twist. Silver reflections soften the natural warmth of the wood. It still keeps a pale cream base, but with a more neutral tone and a hint of grey.

Maple Lueur minérale

A cream-beige tone brought to life by deeper mineral veins in beige, brown and sometimes grey. There’s more contrast between the boards here, which gives a rich, textured feel.

Softer than maple

If durability is your top concern, keep in mind that woods like oak, birch, walnut and silver maple are all softer than sugar maple.

Harder than maple

Looking for something even tougher than hardwood maple? Exotic woods like jatoba, mahogany or ipe are higher up on the Janka scale and offer extra resistance.

Does maple wood change colour over time?

Yes! Like most hardwood floors, maple flooring naturally darkens with exposure to UV and oxygen. Even white maple ends up with a lovely golden hue over time, like a gentle honey patina.

Is maple an eco-friendly choice?

Absolutely. Much of the maple wood used in Canada comes from responsibly managed forests. Look for FSC certification or local sourcing to reduce your environmental footprint.

Can maple be used outdoors?

Because it’s sensitive to moisture and temperature swings, maple wood is mostly used indoors where it stays stable. It can be installed outdoors—but only with regular treatment and strict maintenance to prevent warping, cracks or mould.

For a worry-free deck that lasts, tropical hardwoods like ipe, cumaru or garapa are a safer bet. They naturally resist water, bugs and bad weather.

Voir ce post sur Instagram

Where does maple wood come from?

Canada and the United States lead global production, thanks to the abundance of sugar maple trees. Maple is also found in parts of Europe, but Canadian maple remains the most sought after for its density and quality.

What to check before buying maple flooring

Authenticity: make sure it’s real maple wood.
Quality: check for product guarantees. At Déco Surfaces, our hardwood maple floors come with 25–35 year warranties.
Eco standards: get informed about whether the wood is sustainably sourced or certified.

Did you know?

The Comfort Maple in Ontario is said to be the oldest maple tree in the world—over 500 years old! Just another reason to love this long-lasting wood.

Maple hardwood floor: a timeless and elegant choice

Choosing maple flooring means investing in something beautiful, reliable and built to last. Whether it’s raw maple wood, oiled, bleached or silver maple flooring, it’s a sure way to elevate your space.

Want to see all our hardwood maple options or speak with an expert? Reach out to us today.