Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America, prominent in Eastern United States and Eastern Canada
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture, recommended for interior applications
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, uniform grain with subtle cathedral and rift-sawn figure patterns, characteristic diffuse-porous structure
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is reddish-brown to light golden tan, while sapwood ranges from off-white to pale cream with a mild natural luster that darkens slightly with age
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture, recommended for interior applications
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade, cut, and region
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber or recent architectural millwork, estimated within 1 to 10 years based on clean surface sanding and minimal surface oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List), non-CITES listed, widely available with FSC certification, sustainable forestry practice
Common Uses
Flooring, fine furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, butcher blocks, musical instruments, turnings, and architectural millwork
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America, prominent in Eastern United States and Eastern Canada
Workability
Good overall workability; tends to burn easily with high-speed router bits or dull saw blades, sands to an extremely smooth surface and glues well
Finish Recommendations
Pre-stain conditioner recommended if applying dark dyes to prevent blotching; finishes exceptionally well with clear polyurethane, lacquer, shellac, or hardwax oils
Notable Features
Closed-pore structure, subtle chatoyance, excellent abrasion resistance, non-toxic, odorless when dried
