American Sycamore
Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
Overview
American Sycamore is a hardwood native to the eastern and central United States. It is best known for its distinctive quartersawn figure, often referred to as “lacewood” due to its flecked appearance.
Although not as widely used in fine furniture as Cherry or Walnut, Sycamore is valued for its unique grain pattern and moderate workability.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: American Sycamore
- Scientific Name: Platanus occidentalis
- Region: North American Hardwoods (Eastern & Central United States)
- Tree Size: 75–100 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft³ (545 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 770 lbf
- Color: Light tan to reddish brown
- Grain: Interlocked, often producing a lacewood figure when quartersawn
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
American Sycamore is best identified by its lace-like ray fleck when quartersawn. The grain is often interlocked, which contributes to its distinctive visual texture.
The wood is diffuse-porous with small, evenly distributed pores. Growth rings are visible but not strongly pronounced.
Key identification traits include:
- Lacewood figure when quartersawn
- Interlocked grain
- Light brown coloration
- Diffuse-porous structure
Working Properties
Sycamore machines moderately well but may tear out due to interlocked grain.
- Machines adequately with sharp tools
- May experience tear-out
- Sands smoothly
- Glues reliably
- Takes finish evenly
Proper drying is important to reduce movement.
Safety Note
American Sycamore dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust protection is recommended.
Common Uses
American Sycamore is commonly used in:
- Furniture
- Veneer
- Interior trim
- Butcher blocks
- Drawer sides
- Decorative panels
Sustainability & Notes
American Sycamore is widely available throughout its native range. It is not considered threatened and is sustainably harvested.
Quartersawn material is often selected specifically for its lacewood appearance.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
European Plane – A closely related species with similar grain structure and the distinctive lacewood figure often seen in quartersawn lumber.
European Beech – Another light-colored hardwood with fine texture commonly used in furniture and interior woodworking.
Red Maple – A moderately hard North American hardwood with somewhat similar color but typically smoother and less figured grain.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Unique grain features such as lacewood figuring can help distinguish sycamore and plane species from other hardwoods.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability
Proper drying helps reduce movement and ensures long-term stability in hardwood lumber.
How to Store Exotic Wood Samples
Collectors preserve hardwood samples to study grain structure, color variation, and long-term aging characteristics.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Quartersawn boards displaying strong lacewood figure are the most desirable.
Flat-sawn Sycamore appears more uniform and less distinctive, making sawing orientation critical for visual impact.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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