Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain, sometimes wavy; known for figure variations like bird's eye, curly (fiddleback), and quilted patterns in specialized cuts.
Color Description
Sapwood is creamy white to off-white; heartwood is reddish brown. It has a high natural luster and tends to turn golden yellow/amber with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to high moisture or ground contact.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), cabinetry, fine furniture, musical instruments, butcher blocks, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for select grade; higher for figured varieties.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the standing specimen's diameter and growth habit in a residential setting, the tree appears to be approximately 25-40 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification available.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with dull bits. Turns, glues, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for producing maple syrup; the wood is odorless and tasteless when dry, making it food-safe; exceptionally high resistance to abrasion.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coat polyurethane or lacquer to preserve the light color; wiping oils (tung or linseed) for a natural look, though these will amber the wood.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. Identification is based on the standing tree's branching structure (opposite), bark texture (gray-brown with flaky plates), and residential context in a Temperate North American landscape.