Sycamore
Color Range
The wood is mostly composed of creamy-white to light tan sapwood, with heartwood streaks ranging from light to dark reddish-brown.
Grain
"American Lacewood": When quartersawn, sycamore reveals highly prominent medullary ray flecks, creating a "freckled" or lace-like pattern often compared to lacewood or leopardwood.
Texture
It has a fine, close texture very similar to maple, but its grain is technically interlocked, which gives it a unique visual depth.
Other Names
Other names here.
Typical Uses
Decorative Interior: High-end cabinetry, floating shelves, and wall panels, where the quartersawn lace figure can be showcased. Culinary Items: Historically and currently used for butcher blocks, cutting boards, and kitchenware due to its shock resistance and lack of odor/taste. Specialty Woodworking: Drawer sides, musical instruments (as a tonewood), and small turned objects. Utility Use: Lower grades are often utilized for crates, pallets, and concealed furniture parts due to their resistance to splitting.
Weight
2.83
More info
lbs /Bd. Ft. | -20.95% lighter than red oak (3.58 /bd. ft.)
Hardness
770
More info
Janka Rating | -40.31% softer than red oak (1290 psi)
Density
0.49
More info
Specific Gravity | -23.44% less dense than red oak (.64)
Strength, Stability, and Durability
Dimensional Stability: While plain-sawn sycamore is notoriously unstable and prone to warping or twisting during drying, quartersawn sycamore is remarkably stable and holds its shape well once seasoned.
Workability / Finishing
Workability: It generally machines well, but the interlocked grain can cause "tearout" or chipping during surfacing. High-speed cutters are recommended for the cleanest results. Finishing: It glues, stains, and polishes exceptionally well. It is also odorless and tasteless, making it safe for food-related items.