Most likely hard maple, possibly sugar maple; alternatives include birch or yellowheart. — Acer saccharum (probable); Betula spp. or Euxylophora paraensis are alternatives.

Most likely hard maple, possibly sugar maple; alternatives include birch or yellowheart.

Acer saccharum (probable); Betula spp. or Euxylophora paraensis are alternatives. · Hardwood; domestic temperate species if maple or birch.

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood; domestic temperate species if maple or birch.
Origin
Sugar maple is native to eastern North America; birch alternatives are broadly North American, while yellowheart originates in Brazil.
Hardness
Sugar maple: 1,450 lbf Janka—Hard. Birch is about 1,260 lbf; yellowheart about 1,790 lbf.
Durability
Slightly Durable to Non-durable outdoors; heartwood has limited rot and insect resistance and is intended for interior use.

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Grain Pattern

Mostly straight, fine, and close-grained, with subtle wavy/irregular figure visible near the left end; appears flat-sawn or plain-sawn.

Color & Appearance

Pale cream to yellow-tan with slightly darker brown streaking and modest natural luster. Maple typically remains light but ambers somewhat with age and finish.

Hardness (Janka)

Sugar maple: 1,450 lbf Janka—Hard. Birch is about 1,260 lbf; yellowheart about 1,790 lbf.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Slightly Durable to Non-durable outdoors; heartwood has limited rot and insect resistance and is intended for interior use.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $5–$12 per board foot for clear maple; figured or specialty yellowheart may be $12–$25+ per board foot.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
No reliable age indicators are visible; the clean, unworn surface appears recently machined, likely under several years old.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, turning, cutting boards, musical instruments, and small craft components.

Geographic Origin

Sugar maple is native to eastern North America; birch alternatives are broadly North American, while yellowheart originates in Brazil.

Workability

Machines and sands well, though maple can burn, dull blades, and tear out slightly on reversing grain. It glues and finishes reliably; predrilling is useful for fasteners.

Finish Recommendations

Use a clear lacquer, polyurethane, shellac, or hardwax oil; sanding to 180–220 grit and a washcoat can reduce uneven absorption or blotching.

Notable Features

Dense, fine texture and restrained figure; the visible tan streaking is not diagnostic and may reflect oxidation or natural mineral variation.

Learn more about Most likely hard maple, possibly sugar maple; alternatives include birch or yellowheart. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 19, 2026