Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with some mild cathedral peaking towards the edge and prominent vertical machine tracking/score marks from a planer or saw.
Color Description
Creamy white to off-white heartwood with a slight reddish-brown tinge in areas. Sapwood is very pale. It has a natural luster and tends to darken to a golden amber hue over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack, particularly common furniture beetles.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), cabinetry, furniture, workbenches, cutting boards, musical instruments, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber, likely kiln-dried and recently milled, as evidenced by the lack of significant oxidation and the presence of fresh mechanical scoring.
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 both hand and machine tools, though it is prone to burning if saw blades/bits are dull or feed rates are too slow. Glues and finishes well, though it can blotch if stained without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
Known for its high density and abrasion resistance. It has no characteristic odor when worked. Can produce mild allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color; wiping oils or shellac will enhance the natural warm tones. Pre-conditioning is recommended if staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High (based on the tight pore structure, characteristic creamy color, and the specific way the wood fibers reacted to the milling blade, which is typical of hard Acer species).