Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture. This specific sample shows a tight, flat-sawn growth ring pattern with very subtle rifts.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish brown, but the sapwood seen here is cream to off-white. It has a high natural luster and tends to amber slightly with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; rated as perishable regarding decay resistance and susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments (piano blocks, violin backs), and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently milled (0-1 year), evidenced by the lack of oxidation, sharp rough-sawn edges, and very light, pale color.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high density that can lead to burning if router bits are dull. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for its 'sweet' scent when being machined; high resistance to abrasion makes it ideal for sports flooring; can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color, while oils will yellow the wood significantly.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight growth rings, pale cream sapwood color, fine pore structure, and characteristic 'fuzz' on the rough-sawn edges are quintessential indicators of Hard Maple.