Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed, fine, and uniform texture. Features a rotary-cut cathedral grain with wide, flowing arches typical of door veneers. Characterized by subtle, wavy growth lines.
Color Description
Creamy off-white to light reddish-brown. The sapwood (most commonly seen) is very pale light, while the heartwood is a darker reddish brown. Exhibits low luster and tends to amber slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very low resistance to rot and insect attack, which is why it is used almost exclusively for interior applications.
Common Uses
Door veneers, flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, furniture, musical instruments, and butcher blocks.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for solid lumber; veneer costs vary by application.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern construction, likely less than 10-20 years old based on the clean, uniform appearance and lack of significant oxidation or finish wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools but can burn if saw blades are dull or feed speed is too slow. Turns, glues, and finishes well, though can produce blotchy results if stained without a sealer.
Notable Features
Known for high abrasion resistance and subtle grain. Odorless. Small amounts of sugar content can lead to burning marks during machining.
Finish Recommendations
Clear water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color. Lacquer and oil-based finishes are common but will yellow the wood over time.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight pore structure, pale creamy color, and specific cathedral pattern from a rotary-cut veneer are classic indicators of Hard Maple.
Notes
Door veneer