Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but with some wavy and irregular figure around knots; flat-sawn displaying cathedral patterns and occasional bird's eye-like speckling.
Color Description
Sapwood is a creamy off-white to pale yellowish-tan, which constitutes the majority of the board; heartwood (not clearly visible here) is reddish-brown. It has a high natural luster and tends to amber/golden with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Flooring (gymnasiums/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, butcher blocks, musical instruments (piano frames/guitar necks), and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Canada and Eastern USA)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled or stored in a protected environment; lacks significant oxidation or grey weathering; estimated roughly 6-18 months since processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable and FSC certified.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though high density can lead to burning with dull bits; glues, turns, and finishes well, though it can be difficult to stain evenly.
Notable Features
Often scentless; known for its extreme abrasion resistance and stability; can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes to maintain the white color, or wiping oils (tung/linseed) to enhance figure; pre-stain conditioner is highly recommended if staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain, creamy color palette, distinctive knot structure, and 'ghost' cathedral patterns are characteristic of Acer saccharum.