Although oak continues to be the most popular choice for wood flooring in homes across the UK, there is another kind of wood that is becoming more fashionable for homeowners.

Maple wood is growing in popularity and looks set to continue to do so throughout the year as it lends itself well to the minimalist, scandi interior aesthetic that has become a favourite over the last decade.

If you’re considering something a little different from the traditional, more classic choices of oak or pine, but don’t want anything to outlandish or quirky like bamboo, then maple is the perfect balance between the two...

Where does maple wood come from?

Maple wood comes from the Acer tree family of which there are roughly 128 species, most of which are native to Asia. When it comes to maple wood used for flooring, it’s most commonly sourced from Canada; however, you can also find maple wood in Northern Africa and parts of Europe.

Acer trees have a distinctive leaf shape and vibrant foliage that changes colour through the four seasons including purple, yellow, green and pink.

They’re also known for being the source of maple syrup which is made from the sap of some maple species.

What does maple wood look like?

Maple wood has two distinct, identifiable features which make it a favourite for achieving a particular aesthetic.

The first is its colour and tones. Maple is naturally light in colour with natural hues that range from creamy white to light browns so it fits perfectly with the light, bright and minimalistic Scandivanian home decor that has become so popular over the last few years.

It’s perfect for transforming rooms into airy, open spaces and helps create a relaxing atmosphere in any room that it’s fitted.

Secondly, maple wood has a subtle, consistent grain that is generally straight with some curves and waves that give it a little character.

Again, this feature makes it the ideal candidate for that clean and modern interior look.

Why does maple wood make for great flooring?

Not only is maple a beautiful wood that looks great in every type of space but it has some very specific features that make it a great contender for your new wood flooring beyond its appearance.

Maple wood is:

• One of the hardest, most durable domestic hardwoods (even compared to oak) so it can sustain high volumes of traffic which is why it can work well in both residential and commercial spaces
• More affordable than oak so it’s great if you’re on a budget
• One of the more eco-friendly choices of wood as maple has a short growing period compared to other wood types
• A clean and crisp looking wood as the grain is more subtle so if this is your preferred aesthetic - clean, simple, minimalist - then it’s the perfect choice

As much as maple does make for great wood flooring, there are two things that you will need to bear in mind when opting for this species of wood.

1. Maple is more prone to scratches even though it is highly durable and, because of its light colour, these scratches will be highly visible so it does need to be treated with a protective coat and treated with care once fitted.
2. Though maple wood can be stained darker - if that is the look you want to achieve - this doesn’t always come out well and the stain can look patchy and uneven so it should be carried out by a professional.

Where should you fit maple wood floors?

There is no type of space where maple wood flooring wouldn’t work as it’s a very safe and adaptable wood but there are certain rooms and areas where maple wood can truly shine and work its magic.

The fact that it is lighter in colour means that it brightens any room and those with a lot of natural light can look a lot larger when paired with this type of wood.

On the other hand, darker rooms that are not well-lit can be enhanced and completely transformed with the installation of maple wood.

As mentioned earlier, the subtle grain and overall clean appearance of maple wood lends itself well to contemporary spaces and modern builds which is why maple wood is often found in newer homes and recently renovated commercial spaces.