Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns. Fine, even texture with occasional small knots and bird's eye-like indentations.
Color Description
Sapwood is a creamy off-white to yellowish-gold; heartwood is a darker reddish-brown. It has a low to medium luster and typically amberizes/yellows 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/ground contact. Best for interior use.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts, bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (less than 5-10 years post-processing); the wood shows very little oxidation and maintains a bright, fresh appearance consistent with contemporary manufacture.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though its high density can cause burning with high-speed cutters. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; subtle sweet scent when being worked; high sugar content can cause 'burn marks' during routing.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethane to maintain whiteness, or tung oil/shellac to enhance the natural warm tones. Clear wax is often used for decorative pieces.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy color, characteristic cathedral grain of Acer saccharum, and the fact that it is shaped into the state of Michigan (where Sugar Maple is the state tree and a primary lumber export) strongly confirm the identity.