Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and fine, uniform texture. This sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns on the left transitioning to straighter rift-like grain. It lacks common figures such as bird's eye or curly figure.
Color Description
Creamy off-white sapwood with a slight reddish-brown tinge in the heartwood. It has a high natural luster. Over time, the color will deepen to a golden yellow or light amber when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable. It is susceptible to rot and insect attack (specifically termites) if used in exterior conditions.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts, bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (piano frames, guitar necks), cutting boards, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $9.00 per board foot (standard grade)
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern, likely less than 50 years old, based on the relatively light oxidation and absence of deep patination or historical tool marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification. Generally considered very sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can lead to burning with high-speed router bits. Glues and finishes well, though it can become blotchy when stained without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
Known for its incredible abrasion resistance and high density. It lacks a characteristic odor when being worked. Can cause respiratory irritation in some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain its white/light color. Oil-based finishes will highlight the grain but will immediately yellow/amber the wood. For food-contact items, food-grade mineral oil is best.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight, closed-pore structure combined with the off-white creamy color and specific cathedral grain shape is characteristic of North American Sugar Maple.