Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed, straight grain with slight waviness and a subtle cathedral figure in the center. Texture is fine and even, showing typical diffuse-porous anatomy.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with pale off-white sapwood. Subdued luster and minimal color variation across the face, which will likely amber or yellow slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to rot and insect attack; strictly for interior use.
Common Uses
Flooring (gyms/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, countertops (butcher blocks), musical instruments, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on width and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh milled/surfaced stock based on the lack of deep oxidation or graying; estimated 1-5 years post-harvest.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with high-speed cutters. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; faint sweet scent when worked; high sugar content can cause 'burn marks' during routing or sawing.
Finish Recommendations
Clear film finishes (polyurethane or lacquer) to preserve the light color, or penetrating oils for a natural feel. Water-based finishes prevent yellowing.
Identification Confidence
High. The creamy color, tight grain structure, characteristic growth ring definition, and presence of small worm holes ('ambrosia' streaks) are diagnostic of Acer saccharum.