Likely hard maple (sugar maple), with yellow birch as an alternative — Acer saccharum; alternative Betula alleghaniensis

Likely hard maple (sugar maple), with yellow birch as an alternative

Acer saccharum; alternative Betula alleghaniensis · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes, New England, and Appalachian regions.
Hardness
1,450 lbf Janka—Hard
Durability
Slightly Durable; suitable primarily for interior use and not naturally resistant to prolonged rot or insects.

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Grain Pattern

Fine, generally straight grain with subtle irregularity and small curl-like chatoyance visible from turning; turned rather than identifiable as flat- or quarter-sawn.

Color & Appearance

Pale cream to warm honey-tan heartwood and sapwood with subdued luster; likely darkened slightly from oxidation, handling, and finish.

Hardness (Janka)

1,450 lbf Janka—Hard

Durability & Decay Resistance

Slightly Durable; suitable primarily for interior use and not naturally resistant to prolonged rot or insects.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $4–$9 per board foot for clear hard maple; the finished turning’s value depends mainly on craftsmanship and provenance.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
The wood’s age cannot be determined visually; surface wear and patina suggest a finished, used object rather than reliably dating the tree or manufacture.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, butcher blocks, tool handles, turned objects, and bowling equipment.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes, New England, and Appalachian regions.

Workability

Turns, sands, glues, and finishes well, though its hardness can dull tools and it may burn during aggressive sanding or routing.

Finish Recommendations

Use sanding sealer followed by wipe-on oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane; apply thin coats and sand lightly between coats.

Notable Features

Dense, smooth texture and good wear resistance; the photograph shows fine pores and a polished, uniform turned surface.

Learn more about Likely hard maple (sugar maple), with yellow birch as an alternative in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 4, 2026