Hard Maple (likely Sugar Maple/Curly Maple appearance)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with prominent curly (fiddleback) figure. High degree of localized wavy grain across the boards causing horizontal chatoyant bands.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown heartwood; sapwood is generally white with a slight golden hue. Tends to amber or yellow with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Musical instrument backs (fiddleback), high-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, bowling alleys, and butcher blocks.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the curly figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The surface shows signs of high traffic, localized scratching, and an ambered finish suggesting a floor age of 10-20 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though curly figure can cause significant tearout during planing or jointing. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features 'fiddleback' figure; highly acoustic properties; odorless; high sugar content can cause burning if blades are dull.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethane to maintain whiteness, or oil-based finishes to pop the curly figure and add depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The specific 'chatoyant' curl and fine pore structure are indicative of Maple, though as a floor, it could be a high-quality laminate print mimicking curly Maple.