Black Maple
Scientific name: Acer nigrum
Overview
Black Maple is a large North American hardwood native to the central and eastern United States and southern Ontario, Canada. A member of the Sapindaceae family, it is closely related to Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and is sometimes considered a subspecies due to their many similarities. Black Maple is especially common throughout the Midwestern United States, where it thrives on fertile upland soils and rich bottomlands.
The wood of Black Maple is virtually identical to that of Sugar Maple and is highly valued for its hardness, strength, fine texture, and excellent wear resistance. It is widely used in flooring, furniture, cabinetry, butcher blocks, musical instruments, bowling alleys, and countless other applications requiring a durable, attractive hardwood. The tree is also an important source of maple syrup and is admired for its brilliant golden autumn foliage.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Black Maple
- Scientific Name: Acer nigrum
- Region: North American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft (18–30 m) tall, 2–4 ft (0.6–1.2 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 44 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,450 lbf
- Grain: Straight, occasionally wavy
- Texture: Fine and uniform
Identification Characteristics
Black Maple produces creamy white sapwood surrounding a light reddish-brown heartwood that gradually darkens with age. The grain is generally straight but may occasionally display attractive curly, quilted, or bird’s-eye figure similar to Sugar Maple. The texture is fine and uniform with a smooth surface and a subtle natural luster.
Key identification traits include:
- Light reddish-brown heartwood
- Creamy white sapwood
- Straight to occasionally wavy grain
- Fine, uniform texture
- Subtle natural luster
- Occasional curly or figured grain
- Dense, hard, wear-resistant wood
Working Properties
Black Maple machines well with both hand and power tools, although its hardness may require sharp carbide cutters for the cleanest results. The wood turns exceptionally well, sands to a smooth surface, and accepts stains and clear finishes beautifully. It also glues readily and holds fasteners securely.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Turns exceptionally well
- Excellent wear resistance
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Glues readily
- Accepts stains and finishes well
- Excellent dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Its exceptional hardness, strength, and fine texture make Black Maple suitable for numerous woodworking applications, including:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Butcher blocks
- Cutting boards
- Architectural millwork
- Musical instruments
- Turned objects
- Bowling alleys
- Wooden tool handles
Sustainability & Notes
Black Maple remains widespread throughout much of its native range and is not considered threatened. Because its lumber is nearly identical to Sugar Maple, the two species are frequently harvested, processed, and marketed together under the general name “Hard Maple.”
In addition to its lumber value, Black Maple is an important source of maple syrup and provides valuable wildlife habitat throughout eastern North American forests.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Sugar Maple – The closest relative of Black Maple and the benchmark for hard maple lumber, sharing nearly identical woodworking properties and appearance.
Freeman Maple – A naturally occurring hybrid maple valued primarily as an ornamental tree, with softer wood and more limited commercial use.
Vine Maple – A much smaller western maple prized for ornamental value and specialty woodworking rather than commercial lumber production.
Related Guides
Maple Species Guide – Compare maple species from around the world and learn how they differ in identification, habitat, and woodworking characteristics.
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong? – Learn how density, grain structure, and anatomy contribute to the strength and durability of hardwoods.
Walnut vs. Cherry – Compare walnut and cherry side by side, including color, aging characteristics, hardness, workability, grain patterns, durability, and their most popular furniture and cabinetry applications.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Black Maple is an excellent collector species because it represents one of North America’s premier hardwoods while illustrating the subtle differences found within the Acer genus. Since it is frequently marketed together with Sugar Maple, authenticated Black Maple specimens are valuable for educational collections. Displaying this species alongside Sugar Maple, Freeman Maple, Rocky Mountain Maple, Mountain Maple, Striped Maple, and Vine Maple provides an excellent overview of the diversity found within North America’s native maples.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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