Sugar Maple (Rock Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; closed-grain texture with small, even pores. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns typical of furniture stock.
Color Description
Naturally a very light cream to off-white, though this sample has been stained to a medium honey-amber tone. Features a fine, even texture and a natural luster that develops a golden patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/exterior conditions.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts, bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments, 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 standard 4/4 select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 10-25 years based on the modern joinery styles and the oxidation of the amber-tinted topcoat.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and generally sustainably managed; FSC certified options are common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with high-speed cutters or dull blades. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Lacks a distinctive scent. Known for its high resistance to abrasion and wear. It can occasionally produce figured grain like bird's eye or curly maple.
Finish Recommendations
Takes film-building finishes like polyurethane and lacquer very well. Because it is a closed-pore wood, it can be prone to blotching when stained; a conditioner is recommended.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The grain density, pore structure, and use in furniture construction points strongly to Maple, though without seeing end-grain or raw wood, Birch is a possible alternative.