Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a fine, uniform texture, predominantly quartersawn and riftsawn narrow strip flooring.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light golden-brown heartwood with minimal contrast to sapwood, exhibiting a warm amber patina from age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on grade
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 50 to 90 years old, typical of mid-20th-century residential strip flooring
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list, widely available as FSC certified
Common Uses
Flooring, bowling alley lanes, dance floors, high-end furniture, cabinetry, and workbench tops
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to machine, turns and glues well, but can burn easily during routing or sawing due to high density
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or solvent-based finishes work best; water-based finishes can sometimes raise the grain slightly on dense maple
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense cellular structure, minimal splintering, and excellent wear resistance under heavy foot traffic
