Most likely sycamore (American planetree); alternatives include cottonwood or maple.
Platanus occidentalis · Hardwood (deciduous), domestic.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood (deciduous), domestic.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America, especially bottomlands and stream margins.
- Hardness
- Janka approximately 770 lbf — Soft.
- Durability
- Non-durable; limited resistance to rot, insects, and weathering, so best kept sheltered and dry.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight to mildly interlocked, with very fine, diffuse texture; the slab appears flat-sawn with subtle cathedral movement and bark-edge figure.
Color & Appearance
Very pale cream to tan heartwood and nearly white sapwood, with subdued luster and occasional gray-brown streaking. It generally darkens slightly and yellows with age and light.
Hardness (Janka)
Janka approximately 770 lbf — Soft.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; limited resistance to rot, insects, and weathering, so best kept sheltered and dry.
Value & Age
Approximately $4–$10 per board foot for ordinary kiln-dried slabs; figured or exceptionally wide stock may cost more.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Cannot be determined reliably from the image; it appears freshly milled or minimally aged, with little oxidation or handling patina.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, paneling, veneer, butcher-block-style surfaces, boxes, crates, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially bottomlands and stream margins.
Workability
Generally machines and sands well, though interlocked areas can tear out; it glues, screws, and finishes readily. Its moderate softness permits easy denting.
Finish Recommendations
Use a sanding sealer or washcoat followed by clear lacquer, shellac, or polyurethane; oil gives a warmer tone. Test stain first because pale sycamore can absorb unevenly.
Notable Features
Distinctive pale color, silky fine texture, and occasional fleck or ribbon figure on quartered surfaces; bark inclusions may occur near the live edge.