Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America and major growing regions in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, poor decay resistance, susceptible to insect attack if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine and uniform texture with flat-sawn appearance and subtle, uniform growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with pale yellowish-white sapwood, moderate natural luster, and darkens slightly to a warm amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, poor decay resistance, susceptible to insect attack if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and kiln drying.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 5 to 20 years based on light oxidation, minimal patina, and modern machine milling marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern status, widely available with strong FSC-certified options from managed North American forests.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, workbench tops, interior millwork, musical instruments (violin backs, guitar necks), and bowling alley lanes.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America and major growing regions in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or cutting due to friction; glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains evenly when a pre-stain conditioner is used, and takes clears like water-based polyurethane, lacquer, or oil finishes exceptionally well to highlight its pale tone.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense structure, fine even grain without prominent odor, can occasionally exhibit curly, bird's-eye, or quilted figures.
