Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, prone to attack by decay fungi and insects if left untreated.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with uniform, fine texture and a subtle diffuse-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with little color variation between sapwood and heartwood; moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, prone to attack by decay fungi and insects if left untreated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (standard FAS grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated relatively modern kiln-dried lumber, less than 5 to 10 years old based on clean surface and lack of heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List; widely abundant and sustainably managed in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, musical instruments (piano parts, violin backs).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or shaped due to high density; glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and lacquers exceptionally well, though a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotchiness due to fine pores.
Notable Features
High density and shock resistance, fine uniform texture, notable tendency to scorch under high friction tools.
