It was a first choice for furniture building and all interior finish application such as flooring, paneling and cabinetry. In manufacturing it has been, and still is, used for woodenware, bakery paddles, bowling pins, gun stocks, piano parts, spools, lasts and handles. Figured maple wood and veneer has been, and still is used for decorative purposes such as fine furniture inlays, violin backs and picture framing. Although the sugar maple tree is highly identified with New England due to its brilliant autumn color leaf display and its maple syrup production, maple lumber production comes principally from the mature upland forests of the Middle Atlantic and Lakes States. It is still one of America's most valuable hardwoods and remains popular in today's marketplace.
Maple still has a close association with the manufacture of Early American style furniture.
Its use in millwork production is important. It is a top flooring choice for heavily trafficked areas such as dance floors, bowling alleys and throughout the home in kitchens, halls and stairways, especially. It is used for kitchen cabinetry and fixtures, cutting surfaces and school furniture. It serves many purposes in industry and in the manufacture of durable wooden items and tools. Straight grained maple is readily available in an average price range.