Sugar Maple (or Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, with poor resistance to decay and insect attack if left unprotected outdoors
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, and tends to amber slightly with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, with poor resistance to decay and insect attack if left unprotected outdoors
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for standard domestic lumber grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent-cut lumber, likely under 5 to 10 years old based on the bright surface color and lack of heavy surface oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN; widely and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Flooring, high-end furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, workbench tops, and musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily when routing or sawing due to friction; glues and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, oils, and lacquers exceptionally well, though pre-stain conditioners may be used to achieve a uniform color on larger panels
Notable Features
High density and shock resistance, fine uniform texture, and notable tendency to burn from friction during high-speed machining
