Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with some slight waviness around knots; fine, even texture with visible annual growth rings showing a flat-sawn cathedral effect on the face.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown sapwood with slightly darker heartwood. Exhibits low to moderate luster and tends to amber or yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if used outdoors or in damp conditions.
Common Uses
Flooring (notably basketball courts and bowling alleys), cabinetry, furniture, musical instruments, cutting boards, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot for select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently milled (less than 1 year) based on the lack of oxidation, bright color, and sharp mechanical edge cuts.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed; FSC certification is commonly available.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with high-speed cutters. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; produces a faint, sweet scent when being worked; known for its high sugar content in the sap of the living tree.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color; oils like tung or linseed can be used but will yellow the wood significantly.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight growth rings, light creamy color, characteristic knot structure, and diffuse-porous end grain appearance are diagnostic for Hard Maple.