Likely figured maple (possibly curly or quilted maple); birch is a plausible alternative.
Acer saccharum (if sugar maple); species cannot be confirmed from this face-grain image alone. · Hardwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Sugar maple is native to eastern North America, especially the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf — Hard (sugar maple).
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; heartwood has limited decay resistance and is vulnerable to insects outdoors.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Broad, irregular wavy figure with mottled, quilt-like patches; likely flat-sawn or figured grain. End grain is not visible.
Color & Appearance
Warm light-to-medium brown, possibly altered by stain or age; natural maple is typically cream to pale tan and ambers with light exposure. No clear sapwood/heartwood boundary is visible.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf — Hard (sugar maple).
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; heartwood has limited decay resistance and is vulnerable to insects outdoors.
Value & Age
Approximately $8–$25 per board foot for figured maple, varying substantially with figure, grade, thickness, and region.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Cannot reliably estimate from the image; surface discoloration alone does not establish age.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and decorative panels or instrument parts.
Geographic Origin
Sugar maple is native to eastern North America, especially the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally machines and finishes well, though pronounced figure can tear out during planing; sharp cutters and light passes help.
Finish Recommendations
Sand evenly and apply a clear oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane; test stain first, as figured maple can blotch.
Notable Features
The mottled, undulating figure is the most distinctive visible feature; scent and acoustic properties cannot be assessed from the image.
