Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be wavy; the sample shows a fine, even texture with characteristic small, dark flecks (pith flecks or mineral streaks) and a subtle flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the background boards.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light reddish brown; sapwood is typically off-white to cream. This sample shows the desirable cream-colored sapwood commonly used for flooring, which tends to yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture, though excellent and hard-wearing for indoor dry use.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts and residential), bowling alleys, musical instruments (pianos and guitars), cabinetry, furniture, cutting boards, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/New. The sample appears to be a fresh flooring plank or sample board with minimal oxidation and factory-clean edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its high density can cause burning with high-speed cutters (like router bits). Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Extremely high abrasion resistance makes it ideal for floors. Known for its 'sugar' content which can cause burning during machining. Lacks a distinctive scent. High acoustic clarity.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color; oil-based finishes will significantly yellow the wood over time. Sanders must be used carefully to avoid visible scratch patterns on such a tight-grained wood.
Identification Confidence
High. The fine texture, cream color, characteristic mineral flecks, and the context of the 'LIFETIME STRUCTURAL WARRANTY' flooring document strongly indicate Sugar Maple.