Birch vs. Maple flooring: What are the differences?

Birch and Maple are both popular options for hardwood floors. These species are often mistaken for each other, but there are some clear differences that argue for one wood over the other. For most homeowners, the decision to choose Birch vs. Maple is a matter of color in the wood and personality in the grain.

The personality of Birch

Birch floors are prized for their captivating combination of reddish-brown tones in the heartwood and blonde and amber hues in the outer edges. Grain patterns in a Birch floorboard can be quite prominent and complex, with everything from subtle swirls to flame-like effects that seem to dance across the board. While many homeowners appreciate the strong personality in natural Birch hardwood flooring, others feel Birch can be a little overwhelming. In terms of coloration, Birch is an excellent option for those seeking medium dark hardwood floors.

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The elegance of Maple

Maple planks feature cleaner and lighter hues as well as subtler grain patterns, creating floors with a more neutral and subdued personality. The colors on a Maple floorboard may range from pale and creamy white to varying hues of rich gold, amber, and brown in the heartwood, especially from trees that have been tapped for maple syrup. The grain on a Maple plank will tend to be subtle and consistent with occasional swirls. Maple pairs beautifully with modern and contemporary interior designs. And because its lighter hues help to make spaces feel more expansive, Maple is a perfect option for small room flooring.

How can you tell the difference between Birch and Maple?

The most significant difference between Birch vs. Maple flooring is the grain, which is very dramatic in Birch but quite subtle in the Maple. The natural color of Birch also tends to be darker and more reddish-brown.

Is Birch stronger than Maple?

With a 1450 rating on the Janka hardness scale, Maple floorboards are harder than Birch, which has a rating of 1260. Consequently, Maple floorboards will resist scratches and dents more easily and are ideal for high-traffic areas. However, Birch can also make very durable floors. And the complex grain patterns in a Birch floorboard may actually help to hide scratches better than a Maple floor, where the subtle and consistent grain is more likely to highlight imperfections in the wood.

Solid vs. engineered Birch and Maple

Birch and Maple floorboards can be made from solid hardwood or from engineered floorboards. An engineered plank is made with multiple layers of backing material – usually plywood or fiberboard – that are glued together and topped with a veneer of hardwood.

Maple or Birch engineered flooring is an excellent option for locations with higher levels of moisture or humidity, as the boards have a stronger core that won’t expand or contract as much when moisture levels in the room change.

Cost

The cost of Maple floors tends to be somewhat higher than Birch, as the wood is considered more exclusive.

Stain

Both Birch and Maple present challenges for staining. Maple is one of the toughest woods to stain – its density, tight grain and closed pores cause the stain to absorb very unevenly. Birch offers similar problems for staining, especially for darker colors. When staining Birch and Maple, choosing lighter hues can help create a more consistent appearance.

Cleaning Birch and Maple Floors

There’s not much difference in Birch vs. Maple when it comes to cleaning.

• Sweeping and vacuuming can easily remove the dirt and debris that cause scratches and wear.
• Mopping with a mild solution of water and a little vinegar can help to remove more difficult spots.

Because Maple floors tend to have lighter hues, these surfaces may hide dust and dirt more easily than darker Birch floors, but it depends on how each floor is stained and finished.

Birch vs. Maple Flooring: Which is right for you?

The choice of Birch vs. Maple flooring simply comes down to a personal preference for the darker hues and more complex grain of Birch versus the lighter colors and subtler grain of Maple.

At Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, our design consultants will help you explore the pros and cons of each hardwood as well as the advantages of Birch vs. Oak or Maple vs. Hickory. We can walk you through your options for prefinished Maple flooring or Birch flooring, allowing you to skip the mess and inconvenience of finishing your floor on-site. And we can help you explore all the possibilities for color, texture and pattern that can help you create a one-of-a-kind wide plank surface.