Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture, featuring flat-sawn growth rings.
Color & Appearance
The sapwood is a creamy white with a slight reddish-brown tinge, while the heartwood is darker brown. It tends to yellow slightly with age and exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 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 for standard domestic lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and recently milled within the past few years.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely abundant and sustainably harvested.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, cutting boards, workbench tops, musical instruments, bowling alley lanes.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern and Midwestern North America, and southeastern Canada.
Workability
Can be challenging due to its hardness; tends to burn when routed or sawed if feed rates are too slow. Glues, turns, and finishes well, but requires care when pre-boring for screws.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, clears, varnishes, and water-based finishes well. Pre-stain conditioners can help prevent blotching on hard maple.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense structure, excellent wear resistance, and occasionally exhibits special figures like bird's eye or curly grain.
