Hard Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and tight-grained with a fine, even texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn appearance with subtle growth ring arcs and uniform pore distribution typical of diffuse-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish brown; however, this piece is likely sapwood, which is a creamy white or pale gold. It shows some light ambering/yellowing due to age and UV exposure of the clear finish.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alleys, musical instruments, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeast North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be roughly 10-30 years old based on the slight ambering of the finish and the style of the furniture construction.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burn marks from dull saw blades. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive for its extreme toughness and abrasion resistance. It has a high sugar content which can cause burning during machining; it is not known for a strong scent.
Finish Recommendations
Wipe-on polyurethanes or lacquers are best to highlight its natural luster. It can be difficult to stain evenly due to its tight grain, so a pre-stain conditioner is recommended if color change is desired.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The fine texture, tight grain, and pale color under an ambered finish are highly characteristic of Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) commonly used in residential furniture.