Sugar Maple (Curly Maple / Tiger Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Fiddleback or curly figure; the sample shows a wavy grain pattern running perpendicular to the longitudinal grain, creating a three-dimensional 'tiger stripe' effect.
Color Description
Creamy off-white to light reddish brown heartwood; sapwood is very light and preferred. It exhibits high chatoyancy and tends to turn amber/golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar necks and backs, violins), fine furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, flooring, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Relatively high for figured stock: $15.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity and frequency of the curl.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled/surfaced; the lack of deep oxidation and the bright, clean surface suggests the lumber was processed within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally good, but the figured grain is highly prone to tearout during planing and jointing. Sharp tools and light passes are required; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Exhibits distinctive 'flecking' from ray cells. The dust can be a sensitizer for some users. Renowned for its acoustic properties and high density.
Finish Recommendations
A clear topcoat like nitrocellulose lacquer or polyurethane is recommended. Using a light dye or oil beforehand can pop the figure (enhance the curl).
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the light color, fine texture, and characteristic 'curly' figure is highly diagnostic for North American Hard Maple species.