American Sycamore (alternative: Soft Maple / Planetree)
Platanus occidentalis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern to Central North America
- Hardness
- 770 lbf (Soft to Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain showing fine texture with slight wavy figure and ray speckling characteristic of quarter to rift-sawn cuts
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown heartwood with cream-colored sapwood; exhibits a subtle silvery luster and dark gray/tan streak variations
Hardness (Janka)
770 lbf (Soft to Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and quarter-sawn figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern surfaced lumber, freshly planed with minimal oxidation or visible patina
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Least Concern; widely available and sustainable, not listed on CITES appendices
Common Uses
Furniture components, butcher blocks, cabinetry, millwork, boxes/crates, turned objects, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Eastern to Central North America
Workability
Fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing; glues, turns, and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to film-building finishes like clear polyurethane or lacquer; sanding sealer or wipe-on oil helps highlight subtle ray figure without blotching
Notable Features
Distinctive flecked ray pattern when quarter-sawn; prone to warping and movement during drying due to interlocked grain structure
