Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; closed-grain texture with a fine, even uniform grain. This sample exhibits a flat-sawn cathedral pattern near the center-left and a uniform, fine texture across the surface.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light reddish brown; sapwood is a creamy white to off-white, sometimes with a golden hue. Maple is prized for its white sapwood. It tends to yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if used outdoors or in high-moisture environments.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts/bowling alleys), furniture, cabinetry, billiard cues, musical instruments, turned objects, and butcher blocks.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/recently milled. The surface shows fresh sanding marks, minimal oxidation (patina), and lacks the deep darkening associated with aged maple lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can cause burning with high-speed cutters (like routers). Glues and finishes well, though it can be blotchy when staining.
Notable Features
Known for its high abrasion resistance and strength. It is odorless and tasteless, making it ideal for food-contact surfaces. Dust can be a respiratory sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethane is recommended to maintain the white color; oils and solvent-based varnishes will impart a yellow/amber tint. Pre-stain conditioner is necessary if using pigment stains to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy color, subtle growth rings, closed-pore structure, and characteristic "cathedral" figure are diagnostic of Acer saccharum.