Hard Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight grain but sometimes wavy; fine, even texture with a subtle cathedral figure and tight, closed pores
Color Description
Predominantly cream to off-white sapwood (the most desirable part); heartwood is light reddish-brown. It has a low to medium luster and tends to turn golden-yellow with age and UV exposure
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack; strictly for interior use
Common Uses
Flooring (basketball courts, bowling alleys), butcher blocks, cabinetry, furniture, musical instruments, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on grade and figure
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (less than 10 years) based on the light oxidation levels and clean, smooth surfacing
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources are common
Workability
Generally works well with hand and machine tools, though it has a high density that can lead to burning with high-speed router bits; turns and glues well
Notable Features
Essentially odorless; contains high sugar content which can cause burn marks during machining; excellent acoustic resonance
Finish Recommendations
Water-based polyurethane is recommended to keep it white; oil-based finishes will yellow the wood significantly. Blotching can occur, so a pre-stain conditioner is advised if staining
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the cream color, fine closed-grain structure, and subtle reddish-brown growth rings are signature characteristics of Acer saccharum