Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; the sample shows a fine, uniform texture with very tight grain and a subtle flat-sawn cathedral pattern emerging.
Color Description
Creamy white to off-white sapwood with a slight golden hue; heartwood is darker reddish-brown. The sample is primarily sapwood, which is the most commercially valued part. It tends to yellow slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if used outdoors or in high-moisture environments.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, butcher blocks, furniture, musical instruments, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled (0-2 years); the wood lacks significant oxidation/patina and shows fresh, light creamy coloration typical of new stock.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though its high density can cause burning with high-speed cutters (like router bits). Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; subtle scent when being worked; known for accidental 'sugar streaks' or mineral stains (as seen in the slight tan streak on the right side).
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to maintain the white color; oil-based finishes will highlight the grain but significantly yellow the wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy white color, extremely tight/fine pores, and the specific tan mineral streak are classic diagnostic features of Acer saccharum.