Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, even texture and flat-sawn cathedral patterns visible on the face.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with little visible difference between sapwood and heartwood. It possesses a moderate natural luster and tends to amber slightly to a golden yellow tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively freshly milled or recently processed stock, estimated under 5 years old based on minimal oxidation and light patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List; widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, bowling alleys, cutting boards, musical instruments, and workbenches.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or sawing due to friction. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, and lacquers exceptionally well, though pre-stain conditioners or gel stains may be used to prevent blotching on flat-sawn faces.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense structure, fine texture, and lack of strong odor or prominent resin canals.
