Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) and Black Cherry
Acer saccharum and Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
The left board shows straight and slightly wavy grain with spalting (dark fungal lines) and mineral streaks. The right board features straight, fine grain with typical Cherry pith flecks and a smooth, uniform texture.
Color Description
Left board: Creamy white sapwood with dark brown Spalting and gray mineral streaks. Right board: Light reddish-brown heartwood characteristic of Cherry, which will darken to a deep reddish-gold with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
Maple: 1,450 lbf (Hard); Cherry: 950 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Maple: Non-durable/Perishable; Cherry: Moderately Durable to Durable. Both have low resistance to insect attack, and Maple is susceptible to rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture, musical instruments, flooring, cutting boards, cribbage boards, and cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Appalachian region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Maple: $6-$9 per board foot; Cherry: $5-$8 per board foot (standard grades).
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears kiln-dried and finished. Based on the 2017 engraving and the slight darkening of the Cherry, the boards are approximately 7-8 years old since fabrication.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified on the IUCN Red List as species of Least Concern. Commonly FSC certified.
Workability
Maple is difficult to work with hand tools due to density; susceptible to burning during machining. Cherry works exceptionally well with hand and machine tools, though it can burn if router bits are dull.
Notable Features
Spalted Maple (left) is highly decorative due to fungal patterns. Cherry (right) has a distinct sweet scent when cut and undergoes significant photo-oxidation (darkening) over time.
Finish Recommendations
Both boards appear to be finished with a high-gloss polyurethane or lacquer. For these species, wiping oils or shellac are also recommended to highlight grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High. The spalting and grain density are classic for Sugar Maple, while the color tone and tiny black gum pockets identify the right board as Black Cherry.