Sycamore Maple
Scientific Name: Acer pseudoplatanus
Overview
Sycamore Maple is one of Europe’s most important fine-textured hardwoods. It is widely used in musical instruments, cabinetry, veneer, and interior joinery.
Unlike Field Maple, Sycamore Maple grows larger and produces wider, more commercially viable boards. It is valued for its pale, clean appearance and the potential for attractive figure, including curly or “fiddleback” grain.
Within the European hardwood cluster, Sycamore Maple serves as the premium pale furniture and instrument species.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Sycamore Maple
- Scientific Name: Acer pseudoplatanus
- Region: European Hardwoods (Central & Western Europe)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 39 lbs/ft³ (625 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,200 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light golden brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Sycamore Maple is identified by its light coloration and fine, diffuse-porous structure. Growth rings are subtle, and the surface appears smooth and uniform.
Figured pieces may display curly, quilted, or fiddleback patterns, particularly prized in instrument making.
Key identification traits include:
- Diffuse-porous structure
- Fine, even texture
- Pale cream coloration
- Subtle growth ring definition
- Occasional curly figure
Working Properties
Sycamore Maple machines cleanly and finishes smoothly.
- Cuts and planes well
- Sands to a very smooth surface
- Glues reliably
- May blotch when stained without conditioner
- Excellent for turning and fine detail work
It performs best in interior applications due to low decay resistance.
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard dust protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Sycamore Maple common uses including:
- Musical instruments (violins, guitars)
- Cabinetry
- Veneer
- Furniture
- Interior trim
- Turned objects
Sustainability & Notes
Sycamore Maple is widely distributed across Europe and is harvested commercially in several regions. It grows larger than Field Maple, allowing for wider boards and higher-grade lumber.
Highly figured stock commands premium pricing, especially in the musical instrument market.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Field Maple – A European maple species with similar light color and fine grain, commonly used in furniture and interior woodworking.
Hard Maple – A North American maple known for its strength and durability, typically harder and more wear-resistant than sycamore maple.
European Beech – A fine-textured hardwood often used in furniture and cabinetry, generally more uniform in grain than sycamore maple.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and figure helps distinguish maple species from other light-colored hardwoods.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of hardwood species.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Choosing the right finish helps enhance the natural appearance and protect hardwood surfaces.
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
Sycamore Maple samples should display fine, smooth texture and pale coloration. Figured or curly pieces are especially desirable for collection.
When cataloging, note whether the sample is straight-grained or figured, as this significantly affects value and application.
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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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.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Ultrawall Wall Mount Wood Organizer and Lumber Storage Metal Rack with 3-Level – Indoor & Outdoor Use, 4 Pack for organizing boards, hardwood inventory, and workshop storage
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Router Bits Set of 15 Pieces 1/4 Inch Woodwork Tools for Beginners for edge profiles, trimming, joinery, and general woodworking projects
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REXBETI 25Pcs Metal File Set, Premium Grade T12 Drop Forged Alloy Steel for shaping, smoothing, carving, and detail finishing work
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