Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be wavy; the bark shows fine-textured, scaly, and deeply furrowed ridges patterns consistent with mature specimens.
Color Description
Heartwood is fair to medium reddish brown; sapwood is ivory to creamy white. Visible bark shows greyish-brown tones with darker fissures.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Slightly Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts), furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, and butcher blocks.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (standard grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 40-60 years based on bark thickness and furrow depth.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and non-CITES listed; FSC certified stock is common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though high density can cause burning with high-speed cutters; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Produces maple syrup; known for high abrasion resistance and excellent turning properties.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to water-based and oil-based polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac; sanding to high grits is necessary for a smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the scaly, platy bark with deep vertical fissures is highly characteristic of mature Acer saccharum.