Sycamore


Name Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as American sycamore, American plane tree, buttonball, buttonwood, and water beech.
Sources Grows in eastern half of United States.
Appearance Interlocked, irregular grain with a fine, even texture. Reddish brown heartwood and lighter colored sapwood.
Physical Props Fairly light in weight, moderately hard, stiff, and strong, tough and shock resistant. Poor decay resistance and steam bending.
Working Props Can be difficult to work due to interlocked fibers. Splits fairly easily. Turns easily and finishes smoothly. Does not impart odor or flavor. Glues, screws, nails, and finishes satisfactorily.
Uses Favored for butcher blocks. Also used for interior furniture (quarter-sawn lumber mainly), boxes (primarily food containers), crates, slack cooperage, flooring, pallets, handles, and veneer.