Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, even texture and subtle cathedral pattern from flat-sawing
Color & Appearance
Light creamy white to reddish-brown heartwood with pale sapwood, moderate natural luster, and a tendency to amber slightly with age and light exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated recently milled kiln-dried lumber, roughly 1 to 5 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested in North America
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, and musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or cutting if feed rates are too slow; glues and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, lacquers, and polyurethanes exceptionally well; water-based finishes help preserve the natural light color without excessive yellowing
Notable Features
High density and shock resistance, fine uniform texture, negligible odor when dry, prone to scorching under high friction
