Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and closed-grain, though sometimes wavy; the sample shows a consistent fine texture characteristic of a rift/quarter-sawn orientation.
Color Description
Creamy off-white to light reddish-brown heartwood with pale sapwood; this sample is exceptionally light, suggesting it is mostly sapwood, which is highly prized in maple. It tends to yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture, though very wear-resistant for indoor use.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), cabinetry, furniture, cutting boards, pool cues, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on local availability and width.
Wood Age Estimate
New/Modern stock; the wood shows no significant oxidation, graying, or patina, and appears to have clean, modern machine-cut edges.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Good overall, though its high density can cause burning with high-speed cutters (like router bits). It turns, glues, and finishes well, but can be difficult to stain evenly without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
Known for its high abrasion resistance and sweet scent when being machined; may cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals due to dust.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the pale white color; oil-based finishes will amber the wood significantly over time.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of tightly packed pores, creamy uniform color, extreme fine texture, and lack of visible medullary rays (common in oak) is diagnostic for Acer saccharum.