Hard Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be wavy; closed, uniform grain with a fine, even texture. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with minor pin knots.
Color Description
Sapwood is a creamy white to off-white, sometimes with a golden hue; heartwood is a darker reddish brown. Color tends to darken to a golden amber with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, butcher blocks, furniture, musical instruments, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and regionality.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to moderately aged (under 2 years); show light oxidation and standard kiln-dried characteristics.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools but prone to burning with high-speed cutters (like routers). Glues and finishes well, though staining can sometimes be blotchy.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; subtle sweet scent when worked; may cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals (dust).
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color; oils like tung or linseed will yellow the wood significantly. Clear lacquer is also common for furniture.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy color, tight closed-grain structure, and characteristic small dark pith flecks/knots are diagnostic for Acer saccharum.