Hard Maple

Specs

Common Names

Hard maple, sugar maple, rock maple

Scientific Name

Acer saccharum

Origin

Northeastern North America

Appearance

Unlike most other hardwoods, the sapwood of hard maple lumber is most commonly used rather than its heartwood. Sapwood color ranges from nearly white, to an off-white cream color, sometimes with a reddish or golden hue. The heartwood tends to be a darker reddish brown. Birdseye maple is a figure found most commonly in hard maple, though it’s also found less frequently in other species. Hard maple can also be seen with curly or quilted grain patterns. Grain is generally straight, but may be wavy. Has a fine, even texture.

Avg. Dried Weight

44.0 lbs/ft3 (705 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

1450 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

15,800 lbf/in2(109.0 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,830,000 lbf/in2(12.62 GPa)

Crushing Strength

7,830 lbf/in2 (54.0 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 9.9%

Durability

Rated as non-durable to perishable, and susceptible to insect attack.

Workability

Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though slightly more difficult than soft maple due to hard maple’s higher density. Maple has a tendency to burn when being machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. Turns, glues, and finishes well, though blotches can occur when staining, and a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even color.