Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn grain featuring characteristic fine, swirling growth ring boundaries, faint curly/flame figure, and diffuse-porous fine texture.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown to pale cream color; sapwood is preferred and typically very light off-white to yellowish, darkening slightly to a warm golden tone with age and light 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.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $7.00 - $12.00 per board foot (varying by grade and figure).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern processing/milling, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years, showing clean surface processing with minimal natural oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and sustainably harvested with FSC certification options.
Common Uses
Flooring, high-end cabinetry, furniture, cutting boards, butcher blocks, musical instruments, veneer, and sports equipment.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Workability
Fairly difficult to work with hand tools due to high density; machines well, though high speeds can cause burning; glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-stain conditioner recommended if staining due to blotching risks; responds exceptionally well to clear coats like conversion varnish, polyurethane, lacquer, or wiped oils.
Notable Features
Fine closed-grain structure, excellent abrasion resistance, subtle shimmer (chatoyance) in figured areas, and absence of strong characteristic odor.
