Oak vs. maple – which wood suits your style better?

in Nov 23, 2025

⭐ Oak vs. Maple – which wood suits your style better?

Wood is one of the most natural and versatile materials available. Oak and maple, in particular, are among the most popular hardwoods in Europe – and for good reason.
Both are robust, durable, and can be processed precisely. However, they differ significantly in appearance and character.

Especially with handcrafted products like our solitaire games made of oak or maple. The type of wood is crucial for the look and effect.

This article will tell you the most important differences, advantages and special features of both woods – so that you can make the perfect choice.

🌳 Oak – warm, distinctive and timeless

Oak is considered a classic among European hardwoods. It is:

  • extremely robust and durable

  • heavy and stable

  • distinctive grain

  • warm in tone (golden brown to medium brown)

Products made from oak instantly appear high-quality and natural. No wonder oak is so popular in furniture making, interior design, and handcrafted products.

Oak is ideally suited for:

  • high-quality decoration

  • durable wooden games

  • Kitchenware

  • Furniture handles and accessories

Examples from our product range:

🍁 Maple – light, modern and elegant

Maple is also a hard and heavy wood and belongs to the same weight class as oak. It is:

  • bright, friendly and modern

  • evenly grained

  • silky smooth surface

  • ideal for clean, light designs

Maple is especially popular in:

  • bright, minimalist furnishings

  • modern living styles

  • fine accessories

  • Wooden toys that are intended to have an extra elegant look

Example from our product range:

⚠️ Is maple more sensitive? – Yes, but only visually.

Maple is no softer, no less stable, and no less robust than oak.
Both are true hardwoods.

The "sensitivity" of maple refers to:

🔸 Stains & discolorations are more visible

Maple is very light → dark effects (e.g. grease, water stains) are more noticeable.

🔸 Maple darkens faster (yellowish tone)

UV light changes the color faster than it does with oak.

🔸 Certain oils can give it a yellowish tint.

While oak readily absorbs oils and retains its warm color.

👉 For a solitaire game, this is absolutely unproblematic , as it hardly comes into contact with any liquids and is protected.

⚖️ Oak vs. Maple – a direct comparison

criterion oak maple
Color warm, golden brown light, cream-colored
grain distinctive subtle & understated
hardness very hard also very hard
Weight difficult also difficult
stylistic effect natural, rustic, elegant modern, friendly, elegant
Aging It will get a little darker darkens faster
sensitivity insensitive optically more sensitive due to brightness

🛠️ Craftsmanship: Both are fantastic woods.

Both types of wood can be precisely machined.

✔ Oak

  • perfect for milled grooves

  • ideal for drilling grids like those used in solitaire.

  • very dimensionally stable

  • It warmly highlights the grain.

✔ Maple

  • extremely smooth sandable

  • ideal for modern designs

  • very fine surface

  • It appears particularly "clean" due to its light color.

🎁 Examples from the Theobald wood workshop

⭐ Solid oak solitaire game

Robust, warm, full of character – a classic.
👉 Watch now

⭐ Solitaire game made of light maple

Elegant, modern and stylish – the lightweight alternative.
👉 Watch now

⭐ Wooden star made of oak

Timelessly beautiful and perfect for the whole year.
👉 To the wooden star

⭐ Oak furniture handle

Solid, modern and handcrafted.
👉 To the furniture handle

💡 Conclusion: Which type of wood suits you better?

Both types of wood are high-quality, solid, and durable.
The decision is primarily a matter of style:

oak

✔ warm
✔ distinctive
✔ traditional & elegant

maple

✔ bright
✔ modern
✔ elegant & lightweight

Both versions are perfect for a solitaire game – it's simply a matter of personal taste.

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