Sugar Maple (or Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture and subtle flat-sawn cathedral patterns visible on the face
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light golden-brown sapwood with slightly darker reddish-brown heartwood, low natural luster, tends to amber moderately with age and UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and region
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled kiln-dried lumber, estimated less than 1 to 3 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern conservation status, widely abundant and sustainably harvested in North America, not CITES listed
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy-duty workbenches, cabinetry, furniture, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, and musical instrument components
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Moderately difficult to work due to high density; prone to burning during routing or sawing if feed rates are too slow; glues and finishes well but can be prone to blotching
Finish Recommendations
Water-based or oil-based polyurethane, lacquer, or hardening oils; pre-stain conditioner recommended if applying dark stains to prevent blotching
Notable Features
High density and shock resistance, heavy weight, fine uniform texture with negligible odor when dry
