Sugar Maple (Curly / Tiger Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated outdoors)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain overall with a pronounced curly (tiger) figure, displaying characteristic perpendicular rippling or chatoyant waves across the boards.
Color & Appearance
Medium amber to golden-brown tone, likely enhanced by an amber-tinted topcoat or stain, showing typical rich warmth and medium luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated outdoors)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 10.00 to 25.00 USD per board foot (considerably higher due to the pronounced curly figure and width of boards)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Mid-20th century or older based on the rich patina, mellowed color, and traditional multi-board tabletop construction.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (widely distributed, abundant, not CITES listed)
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, musical instruments, high-end flooring, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can be challenging to machine due to the wavy curly grain which easily causes tearout during planing; burns easily with high-speed router bits; glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, shellac, and varnishes exceptionally well. A dye followed by an oil or shellac wash coat often accentuates the curly chatoyance best.
Notable Features
Exhibits strong chatoyancy (optical three-dimensional depth and shimmering effect caused by the rippled grain interacting with light).
