Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with subtle curly or mottled figure visible on the flat-sawn face
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction between sapwood and heartwood, moderate natural luster, yellows slightly over time with light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot for standard lumber, higher for figured grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber, estimated between 1 to 5 years since milling
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely available from sustainably managed forests in North America
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, musical instruments (violin backs, guitar necks), and interior millwork
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or cutting due to friction; glues, turns, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, and clears exceptionally well; water-based or oil-based polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac provide great results with proper sanding
Notable Features
High density, fine and uniform texture, excellent shock resistance, known for producing valuable figured variants such as bird's eye and curly maple
