Our February wood of the month is curly soft maple. A highly acclaimed wood, curly soft maple delivers stunning looks for furniture and musical instruments. Curly soft maple isn’t a separate species of maple; it’s actually just regular soft maple with a unique, curly grain pattern. This pattern is also known as tiger, rippled, and fiddleback.
No one is certain what exactly causes soft maple to develop this curly pattern, which comes in a few different varieties. Some types exhibit a 3-dimensional effect that gives the illusion that the grain is folding over itself. Other types are asymmetrical and appear like crumpled pieces of paper scattered throughout the log.
![Curly soft maple has beautiful grain patterns that is highly sought after to make musical instruments](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/whole-board-curly-soft-maple.jpg)
At AdvantageLumber.com we currently have several live-edge slabs with curly figure and ambrosia activity. These live-edge slabs are perfect for rustic furniture projects. Call 1-877-232-3915 or visit AdvantageLumber.com to get a free quote!
![Edge glued paneling for a cabinet door being made with curly soft maple.](https://blog.advantagelumber.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/whole-board-curly-soft-maple-glued-panel.jpg)