Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with occasional wavy or cathedral figure; flat-sawn orientation is visible in the sample grain arches.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood. The sample shows a light pale tan/yellowish hue with some surface staining and graying/mold spots (mildew) from exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if used in moist conditions.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, kitchen cutting boards, butcher blocks, and bowling alley lanes.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The board itself appears modern (10-30 years), but exhibits signs of surface oxidation and moisture-related staining suggesting it has been stored or used in an untreated environment for several seasons.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Good with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily with high-speed cutters (like router bits) if feed rates are too slow.
Notable Features
Known for its high density and abrasion resistance; some species produced maple syrup from sap. Generally odorless when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; however, being a light-colored wood, water-based polyurethanes help prevent the yellowing often caused by oil-based finishes.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain, distinctive cathedral arches, and lack of visible pores (diffuse-porous) are characteristic of the Acer genus.