Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mainly straight grain with some slight wavy figure. Fine, even texture. Appearance suggests a flat-sawn board with typical growth ring spacing for the species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light reddish brown; sapwood is off-white to cream. This sample shows the characteristic uniform pale color of sapwood, which darkens to a golden amber over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; poor resistance to rot and fungal decay. Susceptible to insect attack. Primarily intended for interior use.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, butcher blocks, musical instruments (piano frames, violin backs), and cutting boards.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on region and grade. Highly figured boards (curly/quilted) can be significantly more expensive.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to slightly seasoned. The surface show minimal oxidation or deep patina, and the checking (small cracks) suggests recent air drying or a change in humidity.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification options.
Workability
Good workability with machine tools, though high density can lead to burning if bits are dull. Turns, glues, and finishes well. Pre-boring for screws is recommended.
Notable Features
Slightly sweet scent when being worked. Known for its excellent abrasion resistance and strength. High tannin content is low, so it does not react poorly with iron.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to clear coats like polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac to preserve the pale color. Takes stain well, but can occasionally be blotchy without a pre-stain conditioner.
Identification Confidence
High. The fine texture, uniform pale color, characteristic grain lines, and surface checking are classic hallmarks of Acer saccharum.