Hard Maple, also known as Sugar Maple or Rock Maple, is one of the strongest and most durable domestic hardwoods, widely specified for flooring, cabinetry, and other high-wear surfaces.

The sapwood of hard maple is creamy white, occasionally with a reddish-brown tinge, while the heartwood is light reddish brown. Mineral streaking — a natural gray to greenish discoloration — occurs in varying degrees and is considered a normal characteristic of the species. Hard maple typically has a straight grain with a fine, uniform texture, though figured patterns such as birdseye, curly, or quilted grain occur occasionally and are highly valued when present.