Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and fine, featuring a closed grain. This sample exhibits subtle bird's eye figure and slight waviness in sections, with some cathedral patterns visible on the tangential faces.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown. The sapwood (most commonly used) is nearly white, while the heartwood is a darker reddish brown. It has a high luster and tends to turn golden yellow over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if used outdoors.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts, bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments (mostly necks and backs), tool handles, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on figure grade and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 5 years old). The wood lacks significant oxidation or patina, and the machine surfacing marks suggest recent processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendice or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it can cause burn marks if blades are dull. Dries well and glues/finishes excellently. Requires sharp cutters to avoid tearout on figured areas.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Known for its exceptional abrasion resistance and 'musical' acoustic properties. Can cause allergic skin reactions or respiratory irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Water-based polyurethanes help preserve the white color, while oil-based finishes will enhance the golden tones and 'pop' the bird's eye figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of creamy color, fine closed pores, and the presence of small bird's eye clusters is characteristic specifically of Acer saccharum.