Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, with poor resistance to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture and subtle growth rings typical of flat-sawn and rift-sawn boards
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with very little color distinction between sapwood and heartwood; medium luster; darkens slightly to a warm amber over time with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, with poor resistance to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.50 to 7.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and thickness
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh milled or modern lumber, estimated 1 to 5 years old based on lack of heavy oxidation and clean surface appearance
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed in North America
Common Uses
High-end furniture, flooring, cabinetry, bowling alley lanes, cutting boards, and musical instruments
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can be challenging to machine due to hardness; prone to burning when routed or cut with dull blades; glues, turns, and finishes well, though staining can sometimes appear blotchy
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear finishes exceptionally well; water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, shellac, and lacquers produce a smooth, durable surface, though a pre-color conditioner or gel stain is recommended if applying pigment stains to prevent blotchiness
Notable Features
High shock resistance, dense structure, excellent wear resistance, and occasionally yields specialized figures like bird's eye or curly grain
