Hard Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack if left untreated
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture
Color & Appearance
Creamy white sapwood with a slight reddish-brown tinge, heartwood tends to be darker reddish brown, moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack if left untreated
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 6.00 USD per board foot for FAS grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently dried lumber, likely less than 1-2 years old based on clean, un-oxidized surface
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, workbench tops, bowling alley lanes, musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada
Workability
Can be challenging due to its hardness; tends to burn when routed if feed rate is too slow, pre-boring is recommended for screws, glues and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains evenly when used with a pre-color conditioner, takes clear coats like polyurethane, lacquer, and oil-based finishes exceptionally well
Notable Features
High density and strength, heavy shock resistance, fine uniform texture, prone to burning during high-speed machining operations
