Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with slight waviness; exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral pattern and fine, even texture with some localized irregular swirling.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a reddish-brown, while the sapwood shown here is creamy off-white to golden-yellow. The sample shows a medium-brown stain/patina with a low semi-gloss luster; darkens slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/outdoor elements.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano blocks), cutting boards, and workbenches.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (depending on figure and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
The surface oxidation, rounded edges, and accumulated patina suggest a piece of furniture that is 5 to 15 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with tools, though its high density can cause burning with high-speed cutters or dull bits; glues and finishes well, though prone to blotching when stained without a sealer.
Notable Features
Known for its 'closed grain' which makes it food-safe and very smooth to the touch; lacks a distinctive scent but is prized for its high density and abrasion resistance.
Finish Recommendations
A pre-stain conditioner or sealer is recommended before staining to prevent blotching; finishes well with lacquer, polyurethane, or oil-based varnishes.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the grain structure, pore density, and way the stain sits on the 'tight' surface are highly characteristic of Maple, though some varieties of Birch or stained Alder can look similar.