Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture, predominantly flat-sawn and mixed grain typical of strip flooring.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with little visible distinction from the heartwood. Luster is moderate. Deepens to a warm amber or golden-yellow tone with age and light 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
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 15-30 years old based on surface wear patterns, oxidation, and common installation eras for this type of strip flooring.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list, readily available through certified sustainable forestry programs (FSC).
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, workbench tops, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or crosscut due to friction. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or water-based floor finishes are ideal for durability. Pre-staining can sometimes be blotchy, so a gel stain or conditioner is recommended if coloring.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense and heavy, low natural oil content, prone to mineral streaks or occasional curly/bird's-eye figures.
