Hard Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, even texture with occasional wavy or curly figure; exhibits a closed, diffuse-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Sapwood is creamy white to off-white with a slight reddish-brown tinge; heartwood is darker reddish-brown. It tends to turn a golden-yellow color over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $9.00 per board foot for select 4/4 or 8/4 stock.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh stock; the lack of deep yellowing or graying suggests it was milled within the last 1-3 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments, cutting boards, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though its high density can lead to burning if using dull bits or slow feed rates. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color; oil-based finishes will impart a yellowish amber hue immediately.
Notable Features
Neutral scent; known for high resistance to abrasion; sap is used for maple syrup; dust can be a sensitizer for some users.
