Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, even texture. This sample shows classic flat-sawn cathedral patterns and some subtle 'sugar streaks' or mineral staining common in the species.
Color Description
Sapwood is a creamy white to off-white, while the heartwood is a darker reddish brown. This sample primarily showcases the desirable light sapwood with some darker mineral streaks. Tends to yellow significantly with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack. Best suited for interior use.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments (piano actions, guitar necks), and veneer.
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 width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced within the last 1-2 years based on the lack of significant yellowing/patina and the presence of fresh graphite markings.
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 hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn with high-speed cutters (like router bits). Glues, turns, and finishes well. Pre-conditioning is recommended for staining to avoid blotchiness.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its high density and abrasion resistance. Known for producing maple syrup. Dust can be a sensitizer for some woodworkers. Excellent acoustic properties.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color; oil-based finishes will immediately amber the wood. Shellac and lacquer also work well.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy color, fine pore structure (diffuse-porous), and distinctive grain wave/growth ring transition are diagnostic for North American Hard Maple species.