Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, particularly the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, poor resistance to rot and decay when exposed to the elements.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture, primarily flat-sawn appearance showing subtle cathedral patterns.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light golden-brown heartwood with paler sapwood, moderate natural luster, and darkens to a richer amber hue with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, poor resistance to rot and decay when exposed to the elements.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recently milled, likely 1 to 5 years old based on clean surfaces and minimal oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, evaluated as least concern on the IUCN Red List, widely available and sustainably managed.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, workbench tops, musical instruments, bowling alley lanes.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, particularly the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or crosscut due to friction; glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, lacquers, and polyurethane exceptionally well; water-based finishes help prevent excessive yellowing over time.
Notable Features
High density, fine and uniform texture, excellent shock resistance, prone to burning during high-speed machining.
