Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America (United States and Canada).
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and fungal decay if exposed to moisture without protection.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with subtle, fine texture. Live-edge slabs display natural edge contours, knots, and slight grain distortion around growth irregularities.
Color & Appearance
Creamy off-white to light yellowish-tan sapwood, which comprises the majority of the board faces, with soft reddish-brown heartwood streaks near the live edge and center inclusions.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and fungal decay if exposed to moisture without protection.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $14.00 per board foot for live-edge kiln-dried slabs (as marked in lumberyard stock, e.g., $25-$30 per slab depending on size).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber, air/kiln-dried within the past 1 to 5 years, sourced from mature trees over 80-120 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN). Abundant in North America, non-CITES listed, widely available from FSC-certified sustainable forestry operations.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, countertops, butcher blocks, flooring, cabinetry, turned objects, and specialty live-edge woodworking.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America (United States and Canada).
Workability
Fairly easy to work with power tools, though high density can burn with dull cutters. Planes and turns well; glues and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-sanding up to 220 grit. Responds exceptionally well to wipe-on polyurethane, lacquers, hardwax oils (Rubio/Osmo), or penetrating oils like Danish oil to highlight subtle grain.
Notable Features
High density, fine closed-pore structure, light uniform sapwood, subtle figure, and live-edge natural bark/cambium line contours.
