Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with a subtle flat-sawn cathedral pattern
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with a slightly darker heartwood; low to moderate natural luster, tends to amber slightly with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent/freshly milled, showing light surface oxidation and standard rough-cut saw marks
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List; widely abundant and sustainably harvested
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, workbenches, musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or cross-cut due to high density; glues, turns, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, and lacquers very well, though a pre-color conditioner is often recommended to prevent blotchiness
Notable Features
High density and shock resistance, fine uniform texture, notable tendency to burn from friction during machining
