Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed, mostly straight grain with subtle wavy figure and cathedral patterns on the flat-sawn center panel; fine, even texture.
Color Description
Naturally creamy white to light reddish brown; the sample shows a medium-brown stained finish applied to even out natural color. High luster with subtle chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture, though highly durable against physical wear/abrasion.
Common Uses
Kitchen cabinetry, flooring (especially bowling alleys and basketball courts), furniture, veneers, cutting boards, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 USD per board foot for select grade maple.
Wood Age Estimate
The lumber likely dates from the last 10-20 years based on the modern door styling and hardware, though the tree was likely 60-80 years old at harvest.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent with machine tools; turns, glues, and finishes well, though it can burn easily with dull router bits and is prone to blotchiness when staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet scent when worked; very heavy and stiff; can cause minor allergic reactions (skin/dust irritation) in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a pre-stain conditioner to prevent blotchiness; polyurethane or conversion varnish is recommended for high-moisture areas like kitchens.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain structure, characteristic diffuse-porous texture, and way the stain has taken to the fibers are classic indicators of Hard Maple in cabinetry.