Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but can be wavy; the sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns and some closed-grain texture with minor mineral streaks.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood. It features a high luster and typically yellows or ambers significantly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), cabinetry, furniture, musical instruments, and cutting boards.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade
Wood Age Estimate
The heavy surface scratching and ambering of the finish suggest the installation is 10 to 20 years old and has seen significant foot traffic.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though its high density can cause burning with high-speed cutters; glues and finishes well, though it can take stains blotchily.
Notable Features
Known for its 'tonal' properties in instruments and its susceptibility to 'sugar streaks' or mineral streaks. Dense and heavy with a fine, even texture.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color; oil-based finishes will enhance the ambering. Pre-stain conditioners are recommended if staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of light cream color, tight grain structure, specific cathedral patterns, and the characteristic way it shows surface scratches is indicative of Hard Maple flooring.