Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Commonly straight but often found with curly, tiger, or fiddleback figure as seen in the subtle horizontal chatoyance of this sample; grain is closed and fine-textured.
Color Description
Sapwood is a creamy white to off-white, while heartwood is darker reddish-brown. This sample shows the preferred light-colored sapwood with high luster and minimal color variation.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/outdoor conditions.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), musical instruments (guitar necks and fiddle backs), cabinetry, cutting boards, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or surfaced wood, likely less than 1-2 years old based on the bright, non-oxidized color and lack of patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally good, though its high density can lead to burning with high-speed cutters. It glues, turns, and finishes well, though it can be difficult to stain evenly due to its tight grain.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its extreme density and resistance to abrasion; famous for being the primary source of maple syrup and for its acoustic clarity in instruments.
Finish Recommendations
Clear topcoats like water-based polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to preserve the white color. Penetrating oils also work but will amber the wood over time.
Identification Confidence
High. The creamy color, fine closed-grain texture, and characteristic horizontal 'fiddleback' figure are classic indicators of Hard Maple.