Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy, generally fine and even texture. This sample displays flat-sawn cathedral patterns and subtle quilting/curly figure in some planks.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown. The sapwood is primarily used for flooring; heartwood is darker reddish-brown. High luster with excellent chatoyance when finished. Yellows slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to high moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially 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 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
New or recently sanded. The lack of patina and the presence of fine sanding dust suggest a freshly installed or recently refinished flooring project.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though prone to burning with high-speed cutters. Glues, turns, and finishes well. Can be difficult to stain evenly (blotchiness).
Notable Features
Heavy, stiff, and strong. Known for its 'shock resistance.' Produces a sweet scent when worked; a primary source of maple syrup.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethane is recommended to maintain the white color. Hard-wax oils or shellac are also excellent. Pre-stain conditioner is vital if using dark stains.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain, creamy color, specific 'sugar' flecks, and subtle figure are characteristic of Appalachian Hard Maple used in strip flooring.