Maple trees are part of the Aceraceae family and come from the Acer genus. There are approximately 125 different species of maple trees and most of these are native to Asia, although they are most common in America.

The word ‘Acer’ comes from a Latin term meaning ‘sharp’, which is because of the pointed shape of the leaves. The shape of the leaf is well-known to many people because it is featured on the Canadian flag. Young maple trees are characterised by the smooth bark, which then becomes brown and rough as it ages.

Most maples grow to a height of between 10 and 45 metres, although some species only grow to the size of shrubs. The flowers are green, yellow, orange or red coloured and they are prized as ornamental trees, as well as being popular in the art of bonsai.

The trees have many uses; they are the source of maple syrup and the seeds are sometimes ground up and added to exotic types of coffee. The timber is also valuable as it is used to produce bowling pins, pool cues and baseball bats as well as flooring.

Maple is noted for being a hard and richly coloured wood, it is a popular choice of material that comes in a choice of tones varying between dark and very light. The light tones are provided by the sapwood type, which can offer some particularly striking pale tones for that distinctive look.

 It is an attractive, strong hardwood and for some it is a highly desirable flooring material. Those looking for flooring for their home, office, shop or public building may wish to replicate this effect with an attractive product that shows off the same pleasant, light qualities. 

The maple hardwood flooring range brings these qualities to life with products that each offer a stark pale shade with prominent darker markings in some cases or a near absence of them, according to taste. Solid flooring does require maintenance to keep it looking its best but the rewards with this fantastic-looking, authentic floor are well worth it. In addition to this choice, buyers can also pick between nature, select and rustic varieties, as well as between oiled, lacquer and unfinished surfaces. 

Engineered wood flooring is made up of several layers fused together to produce a floor which is very strong and durable compared to solid wood. These floors also prevent the shrinking and expanding which can occur with hardwood floors. These benefits are combined with the attractive style of maple flooring to make this engineered flooring a fashionable option. 

Maple is an attractive, strong hardwood and a highly desirable real wood flooring material. Those looking for flooring for their home, office, shop or other public building may wish to replicate this effect with an attractive product that shows off the same pleasant, light qualities. By choosing a laminate version of maple for your flooring you get the same attractive pattern and style but at a lower price and in a more practical style.