Hard Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be wavy; fine, even texture with a closed, uniform grain. This sample shows a straight, vertical grain typical of a rift-sawn or quarter-sawn appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a gray-brown to dark reddish brown, while the sapwood is a creamy white to off-white, sometimes with a golden hue. This sample primarily consists of sapwood. It tends to yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments (piano actions, guitar necks), and pool cues.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent; likely less than 5 years old based on the lack of oxidation, bright cream color, and modern CNC/router machining marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Good overall; works well with both hand and machine tools. It can be prone to burning when machined with high-speed cutters (like routers or dull saws) due to its high density and sugar content. Gluing and finishing are excellent.
Notable Features
Lacks a distinctive odor. Known for high abrasion resistance and subtle chatoyance. Can occasionally produce 'birdseye' or 'curly' figures, though this sample is plain.
Finish Recommendations
Tends to look best with clear film finishes like water-based polyurethane to prevent yellowing, or penetrating oils to enhance the natural luster. Pre-stain conditioner is recommended if staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy white color, fine closed-grain structure, and characteristic machining 'fuzz' on the edges are diagnostic for Hard Maple (Acer saccharum).