Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture or outdoor environments.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture, featuring subtle cathedral patterns from flat-sawing.
Color & Appearance
The sapwood is a creamy white with a slight reddish-brown tinge, while the heartwood is a darker reddish-brown. It has a natural luster and tends to amber slightly to a golden-yellow hue with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture or outdoor environments.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (standard FAS grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively freshly milled or modern stock (under 10-20 years old), showing minimal natural patina or surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely abundant and sustainably harvested.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, workbench tops, musical instruments (violin backs, guitar necks).
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
Workability
Can be challenging to work with due to its high density and hardness; prone to burning when routed or cut if feed rates are too slow. Glues, turns, and finishes well, though staining can sometimes appear blotchy.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and clear finishes very well. A pre-stain conditioner is often recommended to prevent blotchiness due to the dense and closed grain structure.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, excellent wear resistance, fine and uniform texture, lacks distinctive odor when dry.
