Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight with slight cathedral peaks; flat-sawn displaying a fine, uniform texture with closed pores.
Color Description
Creamy off-white sapwood with a light reddish-brown hue in the grain lines. Heartwood is typically darker reddish-brown but not visible here. Tends to golden-yellow with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts / bowling alleys), cabinetry, furniture, cutting boards, musical instruments, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot (select grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced based on the lack of oxidation and sharp, clean grain lines; likely less than 1-2 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable; FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally good, but prone to burning with high-speed cutters. Glues, turns, and finishes well, though staining can sometimes be blotchy without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
High resistance to abrasion and wear; subtle sweet scent when being worked; known for high sugar content in living trees.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes to preserve the white color; shellac or lacquer for a traditional look; mineral oil if used for food surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy color, tight closed-grain structure, and characteristic light-brown cathedral peaks are classic diagnostic features of Acer saccharum.