Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; closed-grain texture with a fine, even uniform appearance. Visible cathedral arches on flat-sawn surfaces and occasional small darker mineral streaks.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown heartwood; sapwood is typically a very pale white. This sample shows a golden-yellow oxidation common in aged kitchen cabinetry. Luster is naturally high.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture, though highly resistant to abrasion and wear.
Common Uses
Cabinetry, flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), furniture, cutting boards, musical instruments, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
15-25 years; indicated by the ambering of the clear coat and typical wear patterns around the edge profiles of the cabinet door.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools but has a high density that can cause burning with dull bits. Gluing, turning, and finishing are excellent. Requires pre-boring for screws.
Notable Features
High resistance to indentation and wear; lacks a distinct odor. Can be prone to blotching when stained due to tight grain structure.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes to prevent yellowing, or pre-catalyzed lacquers for durability in kitchen environments. Needs sanding to high grits (180-220) to prevent grain ghosting.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain, fine texture, color-aging profile, and specific cathedral patterns are characteristic of North American Sugar Maple used in residential cabinetry.