Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight grain with a fine, even texture. This sample shows subtle rift-sawn to quarter-sawn orientation with very faint evidence of curly figure or "tigering" toward the top edge.
Color Description
Creamy off-white to light reddish brown color. The heartwood is typically darker, but this sample appears to be primarily sapwood, which is the preferred portion for this species. It has a natural luster and will typically age to a golden amber hue over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Flooring (particularly basketball courts and bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano frames and guitar necks), cutting boards, and pool cues.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young wood or newly milled; the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of light surface milling marks suggest a contemporary sample.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though it is susceptible to burning if blades are dull or feed rates are too slow. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for high density and abrasion resistance; does not have a characteristic odor; fine texture allows for extremely smooth sanded finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color; wiping oils or oil-based varnishes will enhance the grain but yellow the wood significantly.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of tight, closed pores, creamy sapwood color, and subtle chatoyance is characteristic of Acer saccharum.