Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture, occasionally showing subtle figures like curl or bird's eye.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a darker reddish-brown, while the sapwood is a creamy white with a slight reddish-brown tinge. The wood has a fine, natural luster and tends to darken to a deeper amber hue with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot for standard domestic grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled or recently processed within the last 1 to 3 years, showing minimal oxidation or surface patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed or IUCN threatened; widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, bowling alley lanes, musical instruments (violin backs, piano parts), and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, as well as southeastern Canada.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily when routed or cut due to friction. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, and clears exceptionally well. Water-based finishes prevent excessive yellowing over time, while oil-based finishes enhance the natural amber warmth.
Notable Features
Heavy, dense, and exceptionally strong with high shock resistance. Lacks a distinct odor when dry.
