Hard Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, with poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attacks if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture and subtle cathedral pattern on the flat-sawn profile.
Color & Appearance
The sapwood is a creamy white with a slight reddish-brown tinge, while the heartwood is darker brown to reddish-brown. The wood has a low to medium natural luster and tends to amber slightly over time with exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, with poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attacks if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for standard domestic lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled or recently processed, showing very minimal oxidation or patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and sustainably managed in North America.
Common Uses
Flooring, fine furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, workbench tops, bowling alleys, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can be challenging to work due to its high density; prone to burning when routed or cut if feed rates are too slow. Glues, turns, and finishes well, though staining can sometimes be blotchy without a pre-conditioner.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear finishes like water-based polyurethane, lacquer, or oil very well. A gel stain or wood conditioner is recommended if applying a pigmented stain to prevent blotchiness.
Notable Features
High density, excellent shock resistance, and fine, uniform texture with characteristic pith flecks and delicate ray flecks on quartered surfaces.
