Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture. This sample shows subtle cathedral figure in the flat-sawn face and a very tight, closed grain typical of Acer species.
Color Description
Creamy off-white to light reddish brown sapwood (which is the primary commercial part of the tree). The heartwood, seen at the edges of the sample, is a darker reddish brown. It has a natural pearlescent luster and will yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable. It has low resistance to rot and insect attack and is best suited for indoor applications only.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts and bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, fine furniture, butcher blocks, workbenches, musical instruments (piano frames and violin backs).
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Sample appears to be kiln-dried and recently surfaced (new stock), approximately 0-2 years since processing based on the brightness of the fibers and lack of patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it is prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow. It turns, glues, and finishes well, though it can be difficult to stain evenly without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
High density and excellent abrasion resistance; it is the primary source of maple syrup; dust can be a respiratory irritant for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color; clear oils (like tung or linseed) will significantly yellow the wood. Gel stains are recommended if color matching is required to avoid blotching.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of color (creamy white sapwood), grain structure, and the characteristic appearance of the darker heartwood/bark edge is highly diagnostic for Sugar Maple.