Hard Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but can be wavy; closed, uniform texture with very fine pores. Slight evidence of growth rings visible in face-grain view.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown; sapwood is preferred and is very pale. Heartwood tends to be darker reddish brown. Ages to a golden amber hue over time.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments, and cutting boards.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate based on photo; surface appears relatively fresh or recently sanded.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can burn with high-speed cutters (routers). Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for high abrasion resistance and sweet scent when worked; can cause allergic skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color; oils provide a classic amber look but will darken over time.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the pale, uniform, fine-grained texture is highly characteristic of Maple, though high-quality Birch or Poplar can occasionally appear similar in low-resolution images.