{"id":32410,"date":"2021-09-14T15:34:48","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T19:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wideplankflooring.com\/?p=32410"},"modified":"2023-01-16T12:13:54","modified_gmt":"2023-01-16T17:13:54","slug":"birch-vs-maple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wideplankflooring.com\/blog\/birch-vs-maple\/","title":{"rendered":"Birch vs. Maple flooring: What are the differences?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

The personality of Birch<\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/span>, others feel Birch can be a little overwhelming. In terms of coloration, Birch is an excellent option for those seeking medium dark hardwood floors<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

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Birch \u2502 ID# 10801<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The elegance of Maple<\/h2>\n

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<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

How can you tell the difference between Birch and Maple?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Is Birch stronger than Maple?<\/h2>\n

With a 1450 rating on the Janka hardness scale<\/a><\/span>, 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.<\/p>\n

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Maple \u2502 ID# 11497<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Solid vs. engineered Birch and Maple<\/h2>\n

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 \u2013 usually plywood or fiberboard \u2013 that are glued together and topped with a veneer of hardwood.<\/p>\n

Maple or Birch engineered flooring<\/a><\/span> 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.<\/p>\n

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Birch \u2502 ID# 10802<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cost<\/h2>\n

The cost of Maple floors tends to be somewhat higher than Birch, as the wood is considered more exclusive.<\/p>\n

Stain<\/h2>\n

Both Birch and Maple present challenges for staining. Maple is one of the toughest woods to stain \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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Maple \u2502 ID# 11967<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cleaning Birch and Maple Floors<\/h2>\n

There’s not much difference in Birch vs. Maple when it comes to cleaning.<\/p>\n