Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, primarily the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable; poor resistance to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with fine, uniform texture; flat-sawn appearance with subtle cathedral arches.
Color & Appearance
The sapwood is a creamy white with a slight reddish-brown tinge, while the heartwood is darker brown. It has a low to moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to a warm amber hue with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable; poor resistance to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (standard domestic grade), varying by region and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern or recently milled kiln-dried lumber, estimated less than 5 to 10 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not on the IUCN Red List; considered of least concern and widely available as an abundant, sustainably managed domestic hardwood.
Common Uses
Flooring (including basketball courts and bowling alleys), high-end furniture, cabinetry, butcher blocks, work benches, musical instruments, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, primarily the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or cross-cut due to friction. Glues, turns, and finishes well, but prone to minor movement.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains well (though sometimes blotchy, requiring a pre-color stain or conditioner), water-based and oil-based polyurethanes, varnishes, lacquers, and oils.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense structure, excellent wear resistance, and known for producing sweet sap used to make maple syrup.
