Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight grain with a fine, even texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn face with very subtle, tight growth rings and occasional small knots or bird's eye-like piths near the tuner holes.
Color Description
Pale creamy white to light reddish brown heartwood; sapwood is a similar pale off-white. This sample appears sanded/stripped, showing a light tan color that will yellow or amber significantly with UV exposure and age.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left unfinished or exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Musical instrument necks (guitars), flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-40 years old based on the vintage style of the headstock and the oxidation visible around the tuner holes and filled peg holes.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Excellent with machine tools; turns, glues, and finishes well. Can be difficult to plane by hand due to high density, which may cause tearout if grain is figured.
Notable Features
Known for its high density and stiffness, making it ideal for stringed instrument necks. It has no characteristic odor and is generally non-toxic, though dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Nitrocellulose lacquer is traditional for guitar necks; wipes-on oils or polyurethane are also effective. Requires fine sanding (up to 320+ grit) to prevent blotching if stained.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain structure, light color, and specific application for a guitar neck are hallmark characteristics of Hard Maple.