Hard Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine and uniform texture with a subtle natural luster
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with slightly darker heartwood, minimal color variation, will amber slightly to a warm golden tone over time with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot for standard FAS grade lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent or well-maintained modern stock, approximately 1-5 years old based on clean, unblemished surface and light oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern, widely abundant, sustainably harvested with good FSC availability
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, workbench tops, musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or high-speed operations due to its density; glues, turns, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains evenly when used with a pre-stain conditioner; takes water-based and oil-based polyurethanes, lacquers, and varnishes exceptionally well to produce a smooth, satin or high-gloss finish
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense and heavy, excellent wear resistance, fine pore structure with subtle flecks on quartersawn surfaces
