Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, primarily the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium to Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay, rot, and powderpost beetle attacks if left unprotected
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, and even-textured grain with a subtle flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction from the sapwood; moderate natural luster that turns a deeper amber yellow over time with light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium to Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay, rot, and powderpost beetle attacks if left unprotected
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $7.00 per board foot for FAS grade lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently processed lumber, likely dried within the last 1 to 3 years
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN least concern, widely available as FSC certified and sustainably managed from North American forests
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, flooring, cutting boards, workbench tops, bowling alleys, and musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, primarily 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 if feed rates are too slow; glues and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes water-based and oil-based polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac exceptionally well; pre-staining conditioner is often recommended to prevent blotchiness
Notable Features
High density, fine texture, minimal odor, excellent shock resistance, and moderate dimensional stability
