Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform but can be wavy; this sample shows a clean, straight flat-sawn pattern with subtle cathedraling and fine texture.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish bronze heartwood with white sapwood; possesses a subtle luster; tends to turn golden brown over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and regionality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh lumber, likely processed within the last 1-2 years given the bright color and lack of graying or oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools but difficult with hand tools due to density; prone to burning if router bits are dull; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; some individuals may develop a sensitivity to the dust; produces maple syrup from sap.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; clear water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color, while oils will yellow/amber the wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight growth rings, creamy white coloration, and characteristic fine-pore structure are definitive for North American Hard Maple species.