Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Complex rotary-cut grain showing irregular cathedral patterns and subtle wavy figure. The grain is generally closed and fine-textured.
Color Description
Predominantly creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with high luster. Heartwood is darker reddish-brown but less common in commercial veneer. Tends to yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to rot and insect attack.
Common Uses
Plywood face veneer, cabinetry, flooring (especially gymnasium floors), furniture, musical instruments, and cutting boards.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00-$10.00 per board foot for solid lumber; veneer sheets vary by grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (less than 10 years old) based on the fresh color and modern rotary-sliced veneer appearance.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine tools, though susceptible to burning if blades are dull. Glues, turns, and finishes well. Sanding is straightforward due to tight grain.
Notable Features
Excellent acoustic properties and high resistance to abrasion. Known for being odorless and non-toxic, making it food-safe.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to prevent yellowing; shellac and clear lacquers also work well to highlight the fine grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The creamy color, tight closed-pore structure, and specific rotary-cut wavy grain pattern are characteristic of North American Hard Maple veneer.