Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be wavy; diffuse-porous. The sample shows a very fine, uniform texture with occasional small darker mineral streaks commonly seen in drawer components.
Color Description
Heartwood is usually a light reddish brown; sapwood (shown here) is a creamy white to off-yellow. This sample exhibits a warm yellowish-honey patina typical of aged clear-coated maple. Lustrous finish with uniform coloring.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack. Primarily intended for indoor dry use.
Common Uses
Flooring (bowling alleys/basketball courts), veneer, paper (pulpwood), musical instruments, cutting boards, and high-end cabinetry/drawer boxes.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot for select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
5-15 years based on the oxidation level of the finish and the modern metal drawer slide hardware.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable and widely available with FSC certification options.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high density and can burn if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Fine texture; no characteristic odor; known for high abrasion resistance. Can occasionally cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals during machining.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based or solvent-based polyurethanes are standard. Pre-conditioning is recommended if staining to avoid blotchiness. The sample appears to have a clear conversion varnish or lacquer.
Identification Confidence
High. The fine, closed-grain structure, creamy color, and common application as a high-quality drawer side are classic hallmarks of Acer saccharum.