Hard Maple (Sugar 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 or exposed to moisture)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light golden-brown sapwood with very little color variation, possessing a subtle natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, roughly $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for lumber, though significantly higher per unit when manufactured into items like mallets.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively new to moderately aged (1-10 years old), typical for manufactured musical accessories.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America with FSC certification readily available.
Common Uses
Musical instrument mallets and sticks, flooring, cabinetry, high-end furniture, bowling alley lanes, and butcher blocks.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can be challenging to work due to its hardness; tends to burn when routed if feed rates are too slow, but turns exceptionally well on a lathe.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, lacquers, and varnishes very well, though a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotching due to its fine texture.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, excellent strength-to-weight ratio for impact tools, negligible odor when dry, and no significant toxic extracts.
