Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with fine, uniform texture and subtle cathedral grain on the flat-sawn face
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with little visible distinction from heartwood; moderate natural luster; yellows slightly with age and exposure to UV light
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively modern stock, approximately 1 to 5 years old based on clean edges and minimal oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, interior millwork, and musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can be challenging due to its hardness; prone to burning when routed or cut if feed rates are too slow; glues, turns, and finishes well, but pre-drilling is recommended for nailing and screwing
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, and oils exceptionally well, though blotching can occur with oil-based stains, making a pre-stain wood conditioner advisable
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense structure, tight grain, fine texture, and prone to burning during machining operations due to friction
