Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, with poor resistance to decay and insects when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a uniform, fine texture and flat-sawn appearance visible on the surface.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with slightly darker heartwood; low to moderate natural luster, tends to amber slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, with poor resistance to decay and insects when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut or recently harvested sample, estimated under 1 year based on the raw bark and unoxidized surface.
- Sustainability Status
- Species of least concern, widely abundant, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists, and readily available from sustainably managed forests.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, workbench tops, musical instruments, and bowling alley lanes.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or shaped due to high friction; glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, varnishes, lacquers, and oils exceptionally well, though a pre-stain conditioner may be used to achieve an even color on face grain.
Notable Features
High density and impact resistance; prone to scorching during high-speed machining; produces sweet sap used for maple syrup.
