Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture. This sample displays a flat-sawn cathedral figure and subtle wavy ripples (curl) visible in light reflection.
Color Description
Creamy off-white sapwood with a slight reddish-brown heartwood. The wood has a high natural luster and ages to a warm golden-yellow hue over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if used outdoors.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts and bowling alleys), cabinetry, furniture, musical instruments (piano frames and guitar necks), cutting boards, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and figure
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/new; the light color and lack of deep oxidation or patina suggest the sample was harvested and milled within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high sugar content making it prone to burning with high-speed cutters. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for its 'tonal' quality in instruments; the dust can be a sensitizer for some users; high abrasion resistance makes it ideal for heavy-traffic flooring.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color; wiping oils or shellac can be used if a warmer, amber tone is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very fine pores, characteristic creamy color, cathedral grain arches, and subtle rippling is diagnostic of Acer saccharum.