Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; primarily flat-sawn with subtle cathedral peaks and minimal visible figure aside from small mineral streaks and pin knots.
Color Description
Sapwood is a creamy off-white to light tan; heartwood is reddish-brown. This sample shows mostly sapwood which will amber or yellow significantly with UV exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts and bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, fine furniture, cutting boards, musical instruments (piano cues, guitar necks), and billiard cues.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently planed; the lack of deep ambering or patina suggests a young sample or one that has been kept out of direct sunlight.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with dull high-speed steel bits; glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; neutral scent; occasional mineral streaks; can be prone to blotching when stained due to tight, uneven grain density.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethane is recommended to maintain the white color; oil-based finishes will immediately add a yellow/amber tint. Pre-stain conditioner is essential if applying dark stains.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy color, tight closed-pore structure, subtle cathedral grain, and distinct small dark mineral streaks are classic diagnostic features of Acer saccharum.