Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight with fine, uniform texture and subtle cathedral grain on the flat-sawn face.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction between sapwood and heartwood; medium natural luster that darkens slightly to a warm amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for standard domestic lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 10-30 years based on surface oxidation, handling wear, and raw milled texture.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, highly sustainable, widely available, and not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, heavy-duty flooring, bowling alleys, butcher blocks, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada.
Workability
Can be challenging due to high density; prone to burning when routed or shaped if feed rates are too slow; glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and clear finishes exceptionally well; water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, lacquers, and varnishes produce a smooth, professional result with minimal preparation.
Notable Features
Dense and heavy with high shock resistance; fine, closed pores; no characteristic odor.
