Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
End-grain block assembly featuring tight growth rings with a mix of straight and slight variations characteristic of hard maple blocks arranged into an end-grain cutting board or workbench top.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light golden-brown heartwood and pale sapwood with subtle color variation block-by-block, moderate natural luster, and a tendency to amber slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot for standard lumber, significantly higher when processed into an assembled end-grain block.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently manufactured from newly milled lumber (0-2 years old based on clean, fresh glue joints and lack of oxidation patina).
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and sustainable; not CITES listed and not on the IUCN Red List.
Common Uses
End-grain cutting boards, butcher blocks, heavy-duty workbenches, flooring, and fine furniture.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or cutting due to high friction; glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe mineral oil and beeswax blends are standard for end-grain cutting boards; film finishes like polyurethane can be used for non-food applications.
Notable Features
High density, excellent shock resistance, fine and uniform texture, and lack of distinctive odor or taste making it ideal for food-contact surfaces.
