Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; fine, even texture with characteristic growth ring lines as seen in this flat-sawn sample.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a reddish brown, but the commercially preferred sapwood (shown here) is a creamy off-white. It develops a golden-yellow patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, butcher blocks, musical instruments, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (select grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively new milled lumber based on the lack of oxidation and clean, pale surface color.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high density and can burn if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for its high abrasion resistance and sweet scent when being machined. It is a common source of maple syrup.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coat such as polyurethane or lacquer to preserve the light color; takes stains poorly (blotches easily) unless a pre-stain conditioner is used.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy white color, tight grain, and subtle brownish growth ring lines are classic indicators of Acer saccharum sapwood.