Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a subtle flat-sawn cathedral pattern and fine uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with pale sapwood, slight natural luster, and darkens to a warm amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated recently milled kiln-dried lumber, approximately 1 to 5 years old based on clean bright surface and lack of heavy patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN least concern, widely available as FSC certified and sustainably harvested from managed forests.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can be challenging to machine due to hardness, prone to burning when routed if feed rates are too slow, but glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains evenly when pre-conditioned, accepts water-based and oil-based polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac exceptionally well.
Notable Features
High density, fine uniform texture, excellent shock resistance, and prone to burning under high friction from dull cutting tools.
