First, what is the difference between hard and soft maple (other than weight). I thought that when people referred to "maple" they meant hard maple. However, when I went to the lumber yard the other day, I asked for maple and got soft maple. Can you tell the difference visually? I am building cabinets and think I may order the doors. If I order "maple" will I get soft or hard? Does it matter?
The second of my dumb maple questions is this, after I planed a board that I purchased I noticed it had great figure, it was curly maple, I believe. Will it look bad to use it for the rails and stiles for one of the cabinets or should I save it for another project.
Thanks for your help.