Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform but can be wavy; diffuse-porous structure with fine, even texture; flat-sawn appearance shown with subtle growth ring arcs.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish brown; heartwood is darker while sapwood (most commonly used) is very pale. High luster with a tendency to yellow/amber significantly under UV light and oil-based finishes.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; poor resistance to rot and insect attack; strictly for interior use.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano frames/guitar necks), cutting boards, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot for select grade
Wood Age Estimate
Finished product appears to be 10-30 years old based on the ambering of the topcoat and the wear on the edges.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a high density and can cause burn marks if blades are dull or feed rates are too slow. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for its extreme abrasion resistance; has a faint sweet scent when being machined; distinct diffuse-porous end grain.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; water-based polyurethane is recommended to prevent the natural yellowing seen in the image if a bright white look is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain, specific pore distribution, and the characteristic way the pigment/finish has aged on the tangential surface are diagnostic for Acer saccharum.