Norway maple (Acer platanoides) belongs to the maple family, it is native to eastern and central Europe, from southwest Asia to Russia and southern Scandinavia. The trees can grow up to 30 meters height and develop huge logs with lots of valued bright, dense and close grained wood. Maple wood is hard, yellowish-white to pale reddish, the heartwood is not distinct. This wood has been mankind's companion for thousands of years, men ate from plates and boards, out of bowls and cups, used spoons and kitchen utensils, all made of bright and dense maple wood. In our houses floorings, furniture and wainscots were made of maple, lots of musical instruments use maple wood for its good tonal qualities and beautiful appearance. But also for technical applications like fine drawing and measuring tools this wood is well suited.
