Sycamore (American Sycamore)
Platanus occidentalis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America
- Hardness
- 770 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture or ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a distinctive, highly prominent fleck pattern when quarter-sawn (often called lacewood or lace figure due to broad wood rays)
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is light to medium reddish brown, while the sapwood is lighter yellowish or whitish. The wood has a moderate natural luster and darkens slightly to a golden brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
770 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture or ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 5.00 USD per board foot for standard domestic lumber grades
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently harvested lumber sample (less than 1 year old), showing rough sawn texture and loose residual bark/fibers.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List; not CITES listed; widely available domestically in North America.
Common Uses
Furniture, veneer, interior trim, boxes, crates, butcher blocks, and occasionally fine woodworking where the ray fleck figure is desired.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing if not done carefully. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes very well. A light sanding and a clear topcoat (like polyurethane or lacquer) accentuates the natural ray fleck figure.
Notable Features
Characterized by extremely broad, conspicuous wood rays that create a unique lacewood or snakeskin figure when quarter-sawn; relatively resistant to splitting when nailed.
