Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Mostly straight grain with prominent cathedral figure visible on the flat-sawn face; features subtle wavy patterns and a fine, even texture with small, closed pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish brown; the sapwood (dominant in this sample) is a creamy white to off-white. It has a natural luster and tends to turn golden or amber with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if used in outdoor or high-moisture environments.
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts and bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, butcher blocks, furniture, musical instruments (piano actons, violin backs), and baseball bats.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (select grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/contemporary stock (less than 5 years old) based on the absence of deep oxidation/patina and the presence of fresh mill marks and sawdust.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it is prone to burning if saw blades or router bits are dull. Glues, turns, and finishes well, though it can be difficult to stain evenly.
Notable Features
High density and abrasion resistance; faint, sweet scent when being worked; known for its 'sugar' content which can leads to burn marks during machining; non-toxic but dust can be an irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Clear topcoats like water-based polyurethane are recommended to maintain the white color; wiping oils or shellac can be used but will give the wood a yellowish tint.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy white color paired with the tight, closed-pore structure and distinct cathedral grain pattern is characteristic of Acer saccharum sapwood.