Maple makes a first class foundation for enamel finishes because of its even, close grain texture and uniform color and absorption.

Maple floors are, of course, often oiled when the traffic is very heavy, as in schools. That makes a finish which is easy to keep clean and a uniform color, but of course it darkens the color of the wood.

Thus what exotic class TEAK is for ASIA- Maple is for Europe. These days CHINA, INDIA, JAPAN, INDONESIA are doing more and more carved furniture and musical instruments in HARD MAPLE and SYCAMORE.