Hard Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight-grained with occasional bird's eye figure and slight curl/wavy figure visible near the center of the image. Uniform, fine texture.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown heartwood; sapwood is typically preferred for its white color. Low luster that develops a golden-yellow patina over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to rot and high susceptibility to insect attack if used outdoors.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, fine furniture, butcher blocks, musical instruments (piano action, guitar necks), and pool cues.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $10.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recently milled (0-5 years) based on the lack of deep oxidation, clean machining marks on the edge grain, and crisp, pale color.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with high-speed cutters (like routers). Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Can produce a faint, sweet smell when being worked. Excellent acoustic properties and high resistance to abrasion. Susceptible to 'burning' during machining.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color; oil-based finishes will trend towards an amber/yellow hue. Pre-conditioners are helpful if staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain, distinctive 'bird's eye' clusters, and creamy color are classic diagnostic features of Acer saccharum.