Sugar Maple (Bird's Eye Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not protected indoors.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not protected indoors.
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.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments (guitars and violins), and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Workability
Difficult due to figured grain; prone to tearout during planing and can burn if router speeds are too high. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional shellac or nitrocellulose lacquer to enhance the depth of the figure; oil-based finishes will deepen the gold tones.
Notable Features
Bird's eye figure is an unexplained phenomenon of tree growth. It produces a very dense, heavy timber with high acoustic properties.
