Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Closed grain, generally straight but with slight waviness near knots. Fine, even texture with visible growth rings on the end grain section. Distinct pith and small radial checks are present.
Color Description
Predominantly light creamy white to off-white sapwood (which is the most common use-part). Heartwood is a darker reddish-brown as seen by the discoloration near the center knot. It lacks significant luster in its raw state and can yellow slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture without treatment.
Common Uses
Flooring (especially basketball courts and bowling alleys), kitchen cabinetry, butcher blocks, workbenches, musical instruments (piano actions and guitar necks), and high-end furniture.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot depending on grade and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or recently milled (under 1 year). The wood shows bright, light coloration with minimal oxidation, though drying checks (cracks) indicate it has begun the seasoning process.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification options; generally considered highly sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with machine tools, though it is prone to burning if saw blades are dull or feed rates are too slow. Glues, turns, and finishes well, though it can be difficult to stain evenly without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
Produces a faint, sweet scent when worked; has high resistance to abrasion; sap is used to produce maple syrup. The dust can be a respiratory irritant for some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethanes are recommended to preserve the white color; oils like linseed or tung will cause a significant yellow/amber shift. Pre-stain conditioners are necessary if using pigment stains.
Identification Confidence
High. The creamy color, tight pore structure, growth ring definition, and the specific appearance of the brownish heartwood transition near the knot are classic hallmarks of Acer saccharum.