Sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

Description:

There are 13 species of maple in North America, 10 of which grow in Canada. Sugar Maple is found in the eastern United States and Canada. Maple syrup is produced from the sap. Sugar Maple can reach a height of 37 m (120 ft) and a diameter of 1 m (3 ft). In a forest, maples can have a clear trunk, free of branches for up to 18 m (60 ft).

Maple sapwood is generally white with a slight reddish-brown tint; the heartwood is reddish brown and sometimes quite dark. There can also be olive or greenish black areas due to injury during growth. Maple has a close grain and soft, even texture. While the grain is generally straight, it can also appear curly, wavy, or striped.

Sugar Maple and Black Maple are hardwoods. Other species, such as Silver and Red Maple are considered softwoods. Some manufacturers offer maple floors without specifying that they are using soft species. These floors are much less impact-resistant.

Hardness (Janka Hardness Test):

1,450 lb (12% harder than Red Oak.)

Color variation:

Pronounced color variation on exposure to intense light. This can be slowed or reduced by applying UV protection at the finishing stage.

Marks on strips:

Marks, scratches, or imperfections are more visible because of the close, even grain and pale color. The more open grain of oak and ash hides marks better. A matte finish on strips will help make marks less noticeable.