Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
The wood has a very pale, creamy white to light reddish-brown color with little visible difference between heartwood and sapwood. It has a subtle luster and tends to amber slightly to a warm golden hue over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 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 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh or recently milled lumber, likely less than 1-5 years old based on the clean surface and lack of heavy patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List. Abundantly available and sustainably managed in North America.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, musical instruments, and butcher blocks.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can present challenges due to its hardness; prone to burning when routed or shaped if feed rates are too slow. Glues, turns, and finishes well, though staining evenly can sometimes be tricky due to blotchiness.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear finishes like water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, lacquer, and shellac exceptionally well. Pre-stain conditioner is recommended if applying pigment stains to prevent blotching.
Notable Features
Known for high density, excellent shock resistance, and fine texture. Contains no distinct odor.
