Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight though with occasional slight wave; fine, even texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn or cathedral face on the left transitioning to tighter vertical grain. No significant figure like bird's eye or curly is visible in this specific board.
Color Description
Creamy white sapwood with a slight reddish/golden hue; heartwood is darker reddish brown. The sample shows the characteristic light, uniform pale color of sapwood which tends to yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
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 (basketball courts/bowling alleys), butcher blocks, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano actions, guitar necks), and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (USD) for Select/Better grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently dried (under 1-2 years). The wood lacks deep oxidation or grey patina and shows modern rough-sawn mill marks at the top and bottom.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with dull blades or high router speeds. Glues, turns, and finishes well. Pre-boring is recommended for nailing or screwing.
Notable Features
Produces a sweet scent when worked (source of maple syrup). Known for excellent abrasion resistance and high acoustic clarity. Dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to clear coats like polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac. Caution is advised with oil-based stains as the wood can blotch; a pre-stain conditioner or wood toner is recommended if coloring.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct creamy-white color, tight closed-pore structure, and characteristic rough-milled fuzzy texture at the top are classic indicators of North American Hard Maple species.