Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed, uniform, and generally straight grain. Features a fine, even texture consistent with flat-sawn Hard Maple, showing subtle growth rings and diffuse-porous structure.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood. The sample shows a warm honey-amber patina likely due to many years of light exposure and aged oil-based finish. Sapwood is typically very light, but heartwood can be darker.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring (especially bowling alleys and basketball courts), cabinetry, cutting boards, musical instruments, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot for select grade
Wood Age Estimate
15 to 30 years based on the yellowing/ambering of the finish, surface micro-scratches, and oxidation marks visible on the left side of the grain line.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with dull bits. Glues and finishes well, though it can be blotchy when stained without a sealer.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Known for its excellent abrasion resistance and strength. Can occasionally produce 'Birdseye' or 'Curly' figures, though this sample is plain.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Due to its closed pores, it does not require grain filler. Gel stains or wood conditioners are recommended if staining to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The diffuse-porous structure, tight grain, and light-colored base beneath an aged finish are classic indicators of North American Hard Maple, commonly used in tabletop construction.