Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, along with southeastern Canada
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable, prone to insect attack and fungal decay if exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with subtle cathedral pattern and faint hints of curly figure
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light golden-brown heartwood with distinct pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, darkens slightly to a warm amber patina over time with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable, prone to insect attack and fungal decay if exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and presence of figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 20 to 50 years old based on surface oxidation, wear patterns, and ambering of the finish
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, evaluated as least concern on the IUCN Red List, widely available from sustainably managed forests with FSC certification options
Common Uses
Fine furniture, high-end flooring, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, musical instruments (violin backs, guitar necks), and interior millwork
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, along with southeastern Canada
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or cutting due to friction; glues and finishes well, but requires care to avoid tearout on figured sections
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains well though can sometimes blotch requiring a pre-color conditioner; finishes exceptionally well with water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, varnishes, lacquers, and shellac
Notable Features
High density, fine and uniform texture, excellent shock resistance, prone to burning under high-friction machining, notable for its sweet sap used to produce maple syrup
