Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America and Eastern United States
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture outdoor environments.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy grain with fine, uniform texture. Displays typical flat-sawn cathedral patterns with light figure and subtle growth ring lines.
Color & Appearance
Sapwood is light cream to off-white, while heartwood is a darker reddish-brown to golden tan. High natural luster and clean, bright appearance when freshly planed. Tends to yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture outdoor environments.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $5.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade, thickness, and supplier.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly sawn/milled dimensional lumber, likely harvested within the last 1-3 years.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern; widely abundant, highly sustainable, and widely available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Flooring, high-end cabinetry, cutting boards/butcher blocks, furniture, millwork, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and Eastern United States
Workability
Works well with machine tools, though high density can cause burning with dull blades. Good for turning, gluing, and finishing, but can be difficult to stain evenly without a conditioner.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to clear finishes like polyurethane, lacquer, shellac, and natural drying oils (tung/linseed). Pre-stain conditioner recommended if using dark wood stains.
Notable Features
Closed-grain diffuse-porous structure, excellent abrasion resistance, high impact strength, and safe for food-contact applications.
