Hard Maple

Hard Maple

Other Common Names: 
Hard Maple, Sugar Maple, Rock Maple

Botanical Name: 
Acer saccharum

Family: 
Sapindaceae

Mature Tree Height, Diameter: 
80-115 ft (25-35 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter

Weight @ 12% M/C: 
44 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³)

Working Properties: 
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.

Growing Regions: 
Northeastern North America

General Characteristics: 
Grain is generally straight, but may be wavy and typically has a fine, even texture. Color ranges from nearly white, to an off-white cream color, sometimes with a reddish or golden hue.

Uses: 
Fine Furniture, Cabinetry, Architecural Millwork, Guitar Building / Instrument making, Wood Turning, Gunstocks, Automotive / Aircraft Interior, Inlaying, Box Making, Flooring, and Veneer.

References: 
http://www.wood-database.com/hard-maple/