Birdseye Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked with characteristic bird's eye figure (small round knots caused by stunted growth), often accompanied by wavy or curly figure
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a reddish-brown, while the more prized sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. It exhibits high luster and chatoyance; tends to turn more golden/yellow with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $35.00 per board foot (Highly dependent on the density/quality of the birdseye figure)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or well-maintained modern piece (less than 10-20 years), based on the brightness of the sapwood and lack of deep amber oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable and widely available
Common Uses
High-end furniture, musical instruments (guitar necks), custom cabinetry, turning, knife handles, pool cues, and decorative veneers
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region
Workability
Difficult due to the irregular grain of the eyes, which can cause significant tearout during planing and jointing. Sands well but requires sharp tools and slow feed rates
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane to protect the sapwood; oil-based finishes are excellent for popping the figure and chatoyance
Notable Features
Birdseye is a rare phenomenon occurring in about 1% of Sugar Maple trees. It is heavy, strong, and stiff with excellent acoustic properties for instruments
