Sugar Maple (Bird's Eye Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly figured with bird's eye patterning; the eyes are small circular or elliptical knots of distorted grain. Also exhibits some slight wavy grain and cathedral grain in non-figured areas.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, but the ivory-white sapwood is most prized. This specimen shows a honey-gold aged patina common in vintage furniture, with a medium luster.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not protected indoors.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments (guitars and violins), and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Short boards range from $8 to $15 per board foot; higher for premium bird's eye density.
Wood Age Estimate
50-80 years old, based on the specific oxidation color of the lacquer finish and the style of the brass bail pulls.
Sustainability Status
Not listed by CITES or IUCN; generally sustainable and widely available in its native range.
Workability
Difficult due to figured grain; prone to tearout during planing and can burn if router speeds are too high. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Bird's eye figure is an unexplained phenomenon of tree growth. It produces a very dense, heavy timber with high acoustic properties.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional shellac or nitrocellulose lacquer to enhance the depth of the figure; oil-based finishes will deepen the gold tones.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive 'eyes' visible on the drawer fronts are a unique biological marker of Bird's Eye Maple, coupled with characteristic aging of maple furniture.