Hard Maple (Sugar Maple / Rock Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America and Eastern United States and Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture without proper protection.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with fine, uniform texture; flat-sawn displaying faint cathedral arching and subtle wavy figure under raw rough-milled surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Creamy off-white sapwood (which is predominantly used in maple lumber) with light reddish-brown heartwood tones; ages to a golden amber yellow with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture without proper protection.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $14.00 per board foot for wide live-edge/slab select grade stock (slab is priced at $375 per marked price tag).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently kiln-dried rough lumber; minimal ambient oxidation or light aging visible on raw face, likely cut within 1 to 3 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); abundant in North American forests and not listed on CITES. Widely available with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Hardwood flooring, high-end cabinetry, dining tables, butcher blocks, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, workbench tops, musical instruments, and turned items.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and Eastern United States and Canada.
Workability
Fairly difficult to hand plane or chisel due to density; machines well but prone to burn marks with dull blades or slow feed rates. Glues, turns, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-stain conditioner required if using dark stains to prevent blotching; looks best with clear oil finishes, shellac, water-based polyurethane, or durable conversion varnish to preserve bright pale tone.
Notable Features
High density, outstanding abrasion resistance, non-porous fine pore structure ideal for food contact surfaces (cutting boards), naturally sweet sap scent when worked.
