Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated outdoors)
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight, occasionally wavy or with bird's eye figure
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a darker reddish brown, while the sapwood is a cream to light reddish-white color. Luster is moderate.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated outdoors)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (standard lumber grades)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living tree in image, roughly 60 to 100 years old based on trunk diameter and bark texture
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list)
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, workbench tops, musical instruments, bowling alley lanes
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or cut with high-speed machinery due to friction.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well, though can occasionally blotch; water-based or oil-based polyurethanes and varnishes are commonly used.
Notable Features
High density, excellent shock resistance, produces sweet sap used for maple syrup, contains no distinct characteristic odor.
