Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain, though also seen as wavy or curly. Fine, even texture. This sample displays a very tight, uniform straight grain with minimal figure.
Color Description
Color is typically a creamy white to off-white, sometimes with a golden or reddish hue. Sapwood is most commonly used rather than heartwood. It tends to turn a deeper amber/yellow 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 (basketball courts and bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, veneer, musical instruments (piano frames and guitar necks), and pool cues.
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 region
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young lumber, likely freshly milled or stored indoors for less than 1-2 years; clean surfaces suggest a recent kiln-dried sample.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it is prone to burning if high-speed cutters (like routers) are used. Glues and finishes well, though it can be difficult to stain evenly (blotching).
Notable Features
Famous for its sugary sap used for maple syrup. The wood is exceptionally dense and resistant to abrasion. It has no characteristic odor when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help preserve the white color; oil-based finishes will immediately yellow/amber the wood. Pre-stain conditioners are highly recommended if staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain, creamy color, diffuse-porous structure, and presence of very fine medullary rays visible in the face grain are hallmark characteristics of Acer saccharum.