Hard Maple (likely Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Wavy, curly grain with subtle fiddleback figure; mostly closed, fine, and consistent texture.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown; the heartwood is a darker reddish brown while the sapwood (visible here) is pale ivory. It yellows slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar necks and bodies), high-end furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, and basketball courts.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot (Premium due to curly figure).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced (1-2 years), showing minimal oxidation and sharp, rough-sawn edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable; FSC certified options common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though curly figure can cause significant tear-out during planing; turns, glues, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive curly figure (chatoyance) when finished; faint sweet scent when worked; high resistance to abrasion.
Finish Recommendations
Clear oils or wipe-on polyurethane to pop the figure; avoid dark stains which can look blotchy on maple's tight grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pale color, tight grain, and specific wavy 'curly' figure is characteristic of Acer saccharum.