Black Maple
Acer nigrum
Also known as: Hard Maple, Black Sugar Maple, Rock Maple
Black Maple is closely related to Sugar Maple and shares nearly identical working properties and applications. Often sold interchangeably with Sugar Maple as Hard Maple, it provides exceptional hardness and wear resistance making it ideal for flooring and high-traffic surfaces. The species is also tapped for maple syrup production.
Botanical Profile
Acer nigrum is native to the northeastern and north-central United States and southeastern Canada. Trees typically reach 20-30 meters in height with trunk diameters of 60-90 cm. The species is sometimes considered a subspecies of Sugar Maple but has distinct leaf characteristics with drooping margins.
Physical Properties
Black Maple has similar density to Sugar Maple at approximately 690 kg/m³ when dried, with Janka hardness of 1,450 lbf. The heartwood is light reddish-brown, sometimes slightly darker than Sugar Maple. Grain is usually straight but may exhibit attractive figure including birdseye or quilted patterns. Fine, even texture with specific gravity of 0.62.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate to high - hard on cutting edges, requires sharp tools
Gluing Advice
Glues well with proper surface preparation
Finishing
Excellent finishing characteristics, accepts stains evenly
Steam Bending
Good steam bending properties when properly prepared
Historical Context
Black Maple has been used alongside Sugar Maple since colonial times for furniture, flooring, and tool handles. Native Americans and early settlers tapped both species for maple syrup. The wood continues to be a premium choice for applications requiring exceptional hardness and a refined appearance.
Technical Specs
Light reddish-brown heartwood, sometimes darker than Sugar Maple
Not listed in CITES, commercially available and sustainably managed