Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture. This sample shows classic flat-sawn cathedral patterns across the face with very tight, closed-pore structure.
Color Description
Creamy off-white to light reddish brown color. Unlike most other woods, the sapwood is most commonly used rather than the heartwood. It has a high natural luster and tends to turn golden-yellow over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; poor resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in damp conditions.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, butcher blocks, furniture, musical instruments (piano frames and violin backs), and baseball bats.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and figure
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber; minimal oxidation or grey patina suggests the sample was milled within the last 1-2 years and stored indoors.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable and abundant; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it can burn easily if router bits or saw blades are dull. Its high density requires sharp tools to prevent tearout during planing and joining.
Notable Features
Known for its extreme abrasion resistance and excellent acoustic properties. It has no characteristic odor when worked and is considered food-safe, which is why it is the standard for cutting boards.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to preserve the white color, while oil-based finishes will instantly impart a warm amber tone.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of creamy-white color, tight uniform grain, and distinct cathedral arching on a flat-sawn face are diagnostic of Sugar Maple.