American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain; notable for producing a high density of wide medullary rays visible as a lace-like fleck when quarter-sawn (often called Lacewood). Straight or irregular grain elsewhere.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light to flesh-colored brown; sapwood is white to light yellow. Low luster; heartwood tends to darken slightly to a deeper reddish-brown with significant age.
Hardness Rating
770 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and decay if exposed to the elements. Poor insect resistance.
Common Uses
Furniture parts, drawer sides, butcher blocks, flooring, veneer, interior trim, pallets, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.50 to $6.00 per board foot (higher for premium quarter-sawn figured pieces).
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree shown appears to be a juvenile to early-mature specimen, likely between 15 to 25 years old based on the diameter and bark exfoliation stage.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause fuzzy surfaces or tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well; requires sharp cutters to prevent fibers from crushing.
Notable Features
Distinctive exfoliating 'camouflage' bark that reveals white/cream inner layers; high tannin content; known for its ray fleck when quartered.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Clear penetrating oils are highly recommended for quarter-sawn pieces to highlight the ray fleck figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the 'camouflage' patterns of exfoliating bark (patches of white, green, and tan) are diagnostic of the genus Platanus, and the habit is consistent with P. occidentalis.