Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a fine, even texture. This sample displays subtle curly (fiddleback) figure on the right side and distinctive pith flecks or mineral streaks in the center-left.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood. This sample is very light (sapwood dominant) with a subtle pearly luster; tends to turn golden brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if used outdoors.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (violins/guitars), cutting boards, and pool cues.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or lightly surfaced; shows little oxidation or wear, likely under 1-2 years since processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with high-quality tools, though it can burn easily with dull high-speed bits; glues, turns, and finishes well, but difficult to stain evenly without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
High density and resistance to abrasion; known for producing 'pith flecks' caused by larvae mining in the cambium (visible in the long vertical streaks here).
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes help maintain the white color; wiping oils (tung or linseed) will enrich figure but yellow the wood significantly.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very light color, tight closed pores, characteristic pith flecks, and subtle figure is diagnostic of Acer saccharum.