Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America and major growing regions in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture and subtle cathedral patterning on the face grain.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with little visible distinction from the heartwood, exhibiting a natural light luster and ambering slightly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a recently milled or modern kiln-dried lumber board, roughly 1 to 5 years old based on clean surfaces and minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, bowling alleys, butcher blocks, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America and major growing regions in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or high-speed cutting due to its high density.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, paints, and clear finishes very well, though blotching can occur with oil-based stains requiring a pre-color conditioner.
Notable Features
Known for exceptional hardness, smooth machining, and high shock resistance, though it can occasionally exhibit figure variants like bird's eye or curly grain.
