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Maple vs White Oak

Natural Material · grade comparison

Maple and White Oak are both natural material grades. Maple is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 1.2% for White Oak. Maple is lighter (0.71 g/cm³ vs 0.76 g/cm³ for White Oak).

MapleChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

Maple vs White Oak: properties

MapleWhite Oak

Mechanical

Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.

Elastic (Young's) Modulus

12.6 GPa1.8 Msi
12.3 GPa1.8 Msi

Shear Modulus

1.4 GPa0.2 Msi
1.1 GPa0.16 Msi

Poisson's Ratio

0.42
0.37

Elongation at Break

1.5%
1.2%

Compressive Strength

54 MPa7.8 ksi
51 MPa7.4 ksi

Flexural Strength

109 MPa15.8 ksi
105 MPa15.2 ksi

Shear Strength

16 MPa2.3 ksi
14 MPa2 ksi

Hardness, Mohs

—
2.5

Same in both: Tensile Strength (Ultimate) 100 MPa14.5 ksi · Fracture Toughness (K_IC) 0.6 MPa·√m0.55 ksi·√in

Physical

Density and transition temperatures.

Density

0.71 g/cm³0.03 lb/in³
0.76 g/cm³0.03 lb/in³

Porosity

55%
52%

Thermal

How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.

Thermal Conductivity

0.16 W/m·K0.09 BTU/hr·ft·°F
0.17 W/m·K0.1 BTU/hr·ft·°F

Specific Heat Capacity

1,650 J/kg·K0.39 BTU/lb·°F
1,700 J/kg·K0.41 BTU/lb·°F

Same in both: Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C) 4 µm/m·K2.2 µin/in·°F · Max Service Temperature (continuous) 90°C194 °F · Min Service Temperature -60°C-76 °F

Electrical

Conductivity and insulation.

Electrical Resistivity

1×10⁸ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁵ µΩ·in
1×10¹⁰ Ω·m3.94×10¹⁷ µΩ·in

Dielectric Strength

4 kV/mm102 V/mil
5 kV/mm127 V/mil

Chemical & Environmental

Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).

Corrosion Resistance

45 / 100
58 / 100

Manufacturability

FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.

Machinability

68 / 100
65 / 100

Polishability

88 / 100
70 / 100

Sustainability

Primary-production footprint per kilogram.

Embodied Energy (primary production)

10 MJ/kg4,299 BTU/lb
11 MJ/kg4,729 BTU/lb

Embodied Water

650 L/kg77.9 gal/lb
600 L/kg71.9 gal/lb

Same in both: Embodied Carbon (primary production) 0.45 kg CO₂/kg · Typical Recycled Content 5%

Common Calculations

Ratios derived from the values above.

Specific Strength (UTS / density)

142 kN·m/kg
132 kN·m/kg

Specific Stiffness (E / density)

17.9 MN·m/kg
16.2 MN·m/kg

Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0

Strength versus weight

Yield strength against density for every natural material grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.

Manufacturing and finishing

CapabilityMapleWhite Oak
Default condition——
Relative cost$$ Standard$$ Standard
Min. machined wall——
Best machined surface——

Maple vs White Oak — frequently asked

What is the difference between Maple and White Oak?

Maple and White Oak are both natural material grades. Maple is the more ductile: elongation 1.5% versus 1.2% for White Oak. Maple is lighter (0.71 g/cm³ vs 0.76 g/cm³ for White Oak).

Which is cheaper, Maple or White Oak?

Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$, standard); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.

When should I choose Maple over White Oak?

Pick Maple when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.

Ready to make it?

Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in Maple and White Oak side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.

Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.