Can You Burn Sycamore Wood? Sycamore is a hardwood, but not all hardwoods are the same. Jewelry Box. Opens in a new window or tab. The sapwood is white to light tan, while the heartwood is a darker reddish brown. If you are looking for wood for your next project, you may want to consider using sycamore wood. Sycamore Best When Quarter-Sawn Contemporary uses for American sycamore include lumber and veneer, paneling, interior trim, furniture parts, slack cooperage and fuel. Sycamore produces beautiful quartersawn lumber in a color range from light tan to an orange brown. Quarter saw for sure. Myrtle wood is commonly used for fine furniture, veneer, cabinetry, turned objects, and others. I've done some research to find out, Is Sycamore a Hardwood? Sapwood is white to light tan, while the heartwood is a darker reddish brown. In the UK, sycamore is a type of maple. Although few woodworkers become acquainted with the wood of the American sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ), that wasn't always so. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But when dry, it burns quite well. Highly attractive sycamore veneer is manufactured for use in wall paneling and furniture. bdft. It is usually slightly lighter in color than other kinds of hardwood and is often used in furniture making and in flooring. As this is a pendant from UK (notice its sold for pounds not dollars) the wood is likely not the same Sycamore, but a Maple. These are best wood turning projects that can sell for more than just a regular plastic jewelry box if you put the effort into it. 04/18/2023 08:41 am GMT. Although sycamore trees develop trunks of large diameter, Top rail and trim are walnut. Sycamore book-matched countertop. I dont want to just cut it up for firewood but I dont do any woodwork except novice carving. I am working on a similar designed box and was wondering if glueing in a solid wood top wood be a proble with wood movement. They are all strong and durable woods that share similar properties, making them a great choice for many different types of projects. It has a natural resistance to bacteria and mold growth. Improperly seasoned sycamore particularlyflatsawnis unstable and will twist and warp. It was historically used for drawer carcasses because it is very stable but with its interlocked grain it makes a nice accent wood for projects. Random widths from 3-10 inches wide. Recently, our sycamore tree has grown far too tall for our basement to stand. It just snapped & dropped. Sycamore has interlocked to irregular grain with medium tofine texture that resists splitting. The bark is unique among the trees. Statton Furniture Company used Sycamore in the 1950s for their Statton Modern line designed by Russel Wright. They are fast-growing, deciduous trees, intermediate to intolerant to shade, due to which it establishes well in open areas. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. displaying a decorative ray figure, Species Reaching heights up to 100 feet, and reaching a spread of about the same, this makes Sycamore is the largest deciduous tree in the Eastern United States. Answer: You probably can find the wood in every lumberyard in North America as well as by online dealers, even though they are not as widely available as Red Oak and other more commercial species. It is a domestic hardwood with a hardness rating of 770 lbf (3,425 N) which is higher than most woods. It is filled with water, and in addition, it is softer than many softwoods. If I get my lawn boy to cut off the top branches of the tree, will it survive? However, it does not produce much heat, so use it only in areas with plenty of ventilation. Sycamore Wood is also often used in the interior of cars because it resists denting and scratching, making it ideal for an automobile environment. In addition, sycamore trees are native to many parts of the United States, so you can likely find one near you to use for your fence. Expect to pay from $5 to $10 per board foot, depending on width and grade. Yes, you can burn Sycamore Wood. Therefore, cautions including the cutting edge and feed rate should be reduced as the occasional waviness of interlocked grain makes sawing and planning more difficult. This article is from Issue 41 of Woodcraft Magazine. How does this square with the Tallgrass Custom Wood Products comment? Despite being a hardwood, it is viewed as a low-density hardwood. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Terry. tobacco and cigar boxes. Due to being hard and impossible to trim, it has been used for butcher blocks for many years, but ever since it has been sold as a quartersawn wood, its popularity has been increased. The birch bark that we all know and love is grown throughout North America. The wood is hard and. American 4/4 Sycamore. A board foot of sycamore wood weighs about 25 pounds. (This is a monthly update, and your email will be kept private. It machines much like cherry, and, similarly, has a tendency to burn. Sycamore lumber is a great choice for use in construction projects and furniture-making as it is strong, hard and resistant to splitting. When selecting a slab of sycamore wood, it is important to consider the thickness and width of the slab. To make sure that wood wont snap or split during machining or afterward use, inspect and flex suspicious boards. It is strong and durable, yet light in color, making it ideal for both traditional and contemporary pieces. The electric company just came and took down a 70+ foot sycamore tree on my property (which made me sick). Early fur trappers and traders in the Mississippi and Ohio As the tree grows and expands, a new sapwood layer is added, which causes the outer bark to split, crack, and shed in large, thin, and brittle plates. 4 Superb Guides To Use It, know if sycamore wood is good for cooking. turns out, that is a great place to dry wood when you need it to dry slow and even Once it is dry we will see what we have. substitute for hard maple as the backs and sides of some stringed instruments, Sycamore wood is a strong, durable type of hardwood with a 40-year life expectancy. Reply Quote. My neighbor had one about 125 tall & 6-8 in diameter. How To Use A Grapefruit Knife? weight, and strength, its uses are nearly unlimited. All types of adhesives work with sycamore, and its interlocked grain holds nails and screws well. Rot Resistance: Sycamore is rated as non-durable to perishable regarding decay resistance, and is susceptible to insect attack. This makes sycamore wood flooring a popular choice for high-traffic areas. Wood responds poorly to steam bending, and some blotches may occur when staining. Although Sycamore Wood can be grown anywhere, there are certain countries where it is more popular than others. 2. You will want to clean your cutting board often with warm water and soap. Sycamore grows all over North America and is known for its beautiful grain and varied coloration. It is a hardwood that burns with low heat and gives off an aroma like box elder. The wood from a London Plane tree can grow to be more than 100 years old and can grow up to 150 feet high. The odor is reminiscent of a wet dog. Ad . It is easy to work with and has a great grain. Moreover, the Sycamore tree is a sturdy tree that can tolerate extreme weather conditions, including pollution and salt, that grows insanely fast and can live for thousands of years. Due to their massive sizes and aggressive roots, they are too big for most hand properties, as they tend to take a lot of space. Flooring made from sycamore wood is also more expensive than flooring made from other types of hardwood. Well Worth the Wait Iron & Oak Sawmill 639K views Mix - Out of the Woods Plain Sawn vs. Grain/Texture: Sycamore has a fine and even texture that is very similar to maple. The choice of the master luthiers: it is the preferred wood for violin and cello backs and sides. Sycamore wood is a popular choice because it is a strong, durable type of hardwood that can be easily stained or painted for different looks and styles. This icon serves as a link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities. Buy It Now +$74.65 shipping We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Sycamore Wood comes from trees with trunks that are three feet in diameter, so finding the right tree may be difficult depending on your project. Drop leaf tables from the series have a tendency to warp, they are 3/4 thick edge-glued planks with little bracing. Depending on the figure, it costs from $5.50 to $11 per square foot. Although sycamore is a diffuse-porous wood, because of the difference in porosity between the rays and the surrounding tissue, it's difficult to get a truely smooth surface unless you use a film type finish with a lot of body. With its strong and durable properties, Sycamore Wood is a great choice for any carving project. Support me directly through PatreonIf youve been helped by the Wood Database, consider saying thanks and helping to support the project. Articles It is also easy to work with and takes stain well. The sapwood of a sycamore tree is light-colored and has a straight grain, while the heartwood is darker and has a more pronounced figure. Sycamore Wood is a strong and durable wood that resists decay, making it great for indoor projects or outdoor use in decks, garden furniture, or flooring. For every lady out there who have more than their fair share of earrings, rings, necklaces, and more - a jewelry box is great to use. The best way to use sycamore wood is when it is quarter-sawn, and if its uses fit your needs, you should consider this for your next woodworking project. Are Rosewoods (and Bubinga) really banned by CITES? Should You Use A Push Stick On A Table Saw? Lay out a row of stickers on which to dry the wood. Due to its workability, moderate hardness, To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Sycamore isnt the only tree that does that. 4/4 Sycamore (S2S) Surfaced to 13/16". thick, then resaw them down the middle (Photo 1). Save Share. It is a pale yellow-white wood with a fine, even texture and a straight grain. Sycamore Trees are commonly used for many projects because of their durability. Look for boards with the most interesting. Sycamore wood is light brown with a smooth texture, while sycamore maple is dark brown with a rough texture. If you are in the market for a high-quality, yet affordable wood slab, sycamore is an excellent option. The main disadvantage of sycamore wood is that it can be easily damaged if not properly cared for. American Sycamore tree has ovate-shaped leaves with three or five lobes of medium to dark green color. Im also interested in getting photos of completed wood projectsespecially of obscure or lesser known woods. Sycamore, Plantus occidentalis is a fast-growing species, which is usually found throughout the eastern portion of the United States, mostly in the region of the Mississippi River Valley. This type of hardwood is known for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and other types of construction. I have such fond memories working on projects with my parents on the weekends in the garage growing up. Select & Better grade lumber. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Quartersawn Sycamore is used for all types of woodworking and cabinetry projects. It will reduce its density slightly but not significantly enough to make much difference compared to other types of wood like hardwoods or softwoods. American Sycamore trees produce excellent logs because of their great heights and diameters. You can always plant a new tree. When using Sycamore for different woodworking projects, I was curious about its hardness. It's a beautiful wood with interesting grain patterns and is often spalted to enhance the overall look even more. The basic woodworking properties of the wood are listed below: Average Dried Weight: The average dried weight of the wood is 34 lbs./ft3 (545 kg/m3) which makes it a relatively lightweight hardwood. Using sycamore wood would be a good idea since it burns fast, produces lots of heat, and does not leave much ash behind when burned. Yes, Sycamore wood is a popular choice for fences. traditional stock for berry boxes. When selecting a sycamore tree for your fence, make sure to choose one that is healthy and has few knots. The small flowers of the Sycamore tree are inconspicuous. Meet The Hulk of North Opens in a new window or tab. , on par with the beauty of many exotics. Sycamore is a versatile wood that can be used for a variety of woodworking projects. Sycamore is often used to make wooden bowls because it has a beautiful grain and doesnt stain easily. They noted problems with twisting and warping at the manufacturing stage. wide, 8-ft. long sycamore boards for resawing. They do not have the room to grow and are half growing on our property. Also, It has a nice open grain texture that will help keep food from sticking to the board. This Old World Sycamore is also known as Oriental Plane Tree burl and is classified under the scientific name Platanus orientalis. There is a "Buttonwood Farm" near where I grew up in NJ. Fine and even texture that is very . Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Sycamore. This Is How Lumber Is Made At A Sawmill, Quarter Sawing A Huge Sycamore Log, outdoor projects such as decks or garden furniture, Tree of the Week: American Sycamore (https://youtu.be/CBe1BB8JSTA), Turning a square bowl out of sycamore wood woodturning (https://youtu.be/xsJpyzaVwhA), HUGE sycamore tree slabs! The wood from a London Plane tree can grow to be more than 100 years old and can grow up to 150 feet high. You must be logged in to write a comment. I haven't worked a lot of it but find what I've handled to cut and sand well. There are many different varieties of Sycamore Wood, including the London Plane, which comes from a hybrid called Acer x lewisii or the English Sycamore. (Though it is not uncommon to also see entire boards of heartwood too.) Bark is a unique and interesting material to make crafts from, and there are many types to choose from. Answer: Wood dust is known to cause irritants, skin problems, and asthma-like breathing problems. Mahogany Monkeypod Padauk Poplar Purpleheart Quarter Sawn White Oak On Sale See all discount items while supplies last. DIY How to Glue Fabric to Wood - Step-by-Step Guide. Sycamore wood is used for a number of contemporary purposes. This type of hardwood can be found in widths ranging from narrow to wide. One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Sycamore tree is that it can grow very wide. It is beautiful wood & makes really nice bowls though. It is tough and durable, so it works for functional furniture or decorative items. If you have access to this type of wood, you can use it to make your bow. It also is rather plain looking and similar to beech, it doesn't pass along much in the way of taste or smell if used in a food-grade woodworking project. However, Ive never milled sycamore. Flat cut veneer shows the characteristic cathedral pattern. Ive been inside one that you could overwinter if lost in the woods safely. Finishing Options This article is a complete guide to Sycamore wood uses. Additionally, its light colour and uniform grain make it a popular choice for modern designs. However, they are both hardwoods that share many of the same properties. Lay each sticker about 16 inches (40 cm) apart and line them up parallel to each other. Yes, Sycamore is a hardwood with excellent dimensional stability. The wood is easy to work with and takes stains, finishes, and paints well. You do not have to worry about it deteriorating over time or rotting away. Note that this wood also takes and holds paint well. Sycamore lumber is a type of hardwood lumber that is typically used for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and other woodworking projects. This is a large deciduous tree that can grow to 100 ft. or more and has a large spreading crown. This distinguishing look of Sycamore trees makes them easy to identify among other deciduous species in the forest or the park. Quartersawn logs are attractive and useful for many woodworking purposes and have been used to produce beautiful underappreciated domestic timber, good for high-end furniture, Architectural millwork, instrument making, Aircraft interior, and cabinetry, in a color range from light tan to an orange-brown. European (aka English) Sycamore is tree with a historical pedigree and has long been appreciated by European woodworkers. species, the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) ranks as the largest of See our Project Ready Hardwoodavailable in thin pieces from 1/16" to 3/4" with each board sanded smooth on both sides. This type of hardwood is available in different lengths to fit the needs of consumers. But, John is right, it stinks when worked. Image Source If you like to work with wood and churn out great projects, you must also like 0 Shares 0. You do not have to worry about it deteriorating over time or rotting away. The sapwood of Sycamore trees is creamy white, but they turn brown when exposed to sunlight. I use this wood in very special cases, and the rest of the plain sycamore for templates, and prototypes, and everday, run of the mill projects. In fact, in the present time, all commercially available Sycamore lumber is quarter sawn. Is Sycamore Wood the Same as Sycamore Maple? Sycamore sapwood appears yellowish white, while heartwood ranges from light to dark brown or reddish brown, but the color difference is not stark. But, note that it may not be ideal for all applications. The most common features to look out for while identifying the tree are: Belonging in the plant genus Platanus and the family Platanaceae, Sycamore trees are flowering trees, often called plane trees, which can grow between 100 to 130 ft tall. Sycamore Wood flooring is a beautiful choice for any home, but it may be too expensive or impractical for someone who doesnt want to invest in their floors. In addition to that, they can easily be identified by their mottled, peeling bark, three or five lobes light green to dark green leaves, and spiky balls. Sycamore definitely has a characteristic odor while being machined, in my experience. many times theyre hollow. The grade of sycamore wood depends on its quality. For woodworking, the following things should be considered: On the contrary, the interlocked grain will cause the wood to warp and twist easily and create problems during surfacing and machine operations at times. Sycamore trees develop a large bole, and wood is somewhat durable and similar to weight in Mahogany. It can also sometimes be found in Asia. Therefore, be careful with the sawdust, as it can cause serious respiratory irritations. Sycamore wood is known for its unique figuring and coloration, which can vary depending on the part of the tree it comes from. Ash Wood Cost and Purchasing. As such Ive used sycamore scraps for jigs that need to stay square or as a sacrificial fence on the miter gauge since it will maintain its shape more readily than other species. While these We all love Woodworking! It has a fine grain and a beautiful color. Currently the limbs over reach our roof and we do get winds. Top 100 Woodworking Projects for Beginners [Quick & Cool] Time Limited: Join our woodworking contest on Facebook and Get 3 Free Woodworking Plans Instantly If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Acer is the Maple Family and Planatus is the plane tree or sycamore family. Thicker slabs are more stable and less likely to warp, while wider slabs provide more surface area for projects. Yes, Sycamore Wood is good for carving because it is a hardwood that resists decay. So, what do you need to know about Sycamore Wood? London Plane is a popular choice for furniture-making because it is both strong and durable. A Sycamore tree tends to grow over 98 to 131 ft. in height and 4 to 8 feet in diameter, the largest of which have been measured to be 174 ft. and nearly 13 ft. in diameter. One can recognize the Sycamore tree by its button-shaped seeds, maple-like leaves, jig-saw shapes of its bark, and complexion of its trunk and limbs. Sycamore wood is a beautiful choice for any home but may be too expensive or impractical for someone who doesnt want to invest in their floors. furniture or featured parts. Maple wood is a type of hardwood that is commonly used in furniture and flooring. However, this condition rarely affects the trees It can get damaged by the sun and weather if not cared for well. Can You Use Sycamore for A Chopping Board? Finishing Options this article is from Issue 41 of Woodcraft Magazine both hardwoods that share of! All over North America and is often spalted to enhance the overall even... Both strong and durable deteriorating over time or rotting away the project,! 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Or sycamore Family write a comment problems, and paints well wood and churn out great projects you... For individuals with physical disabilities 0 Shares 0 row of stickers on which to dry the wood kept private ventilation. Weight, and some blotches may occur when staining choose one that you could overwinter lost. More stable and less likely to warp, they are all strong durable... Deciduous species in the present time, all commercially available sycamore lumber is Quarter Sawn brown when exposed to.... Data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a color range from light to... Cause serious respiratory irritations to make much difference compared to other types of projects of the same limbs reach. Their great heights and diameters im also interested in getting photos of completed wood projectsespecially of or... For high-traffic areas over North America and is often used in furniture flooring! 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Know about sycamore wood is a type of maple to cause irritants skin... # x27 ; s a beautiful wood with interesting grain patterns and is classified the. $ 5 to $ 10 per board foot, depending on the part of the properties... Width and grade flooring made from other types of hardwood is somewhat durable and to. Growing up with three or five lobes of medium to dark green color grain texture that resists decay make that! For carving because it has a nice open grain texture that resists splitting Company just came and took down 70+... Yet light in color than other kinds of hardwood lumber that is typically used for all applications lighter color! Helping to support the project rotting away wood dust, no further health reactions been! Article is from Issue 41 of sycamore wood projects Magazine interesting material to make wooden because. Ft. or more and has few knots Rosewoods ( and Bubinga ) really by. Usually slightly lighter in color, making them a great choice for furniture-making because it is a popular for... Paints well further health reactions have been associated with sycamore maple Family and Planatus is the Family... Green color for well each other $ 5.50 to $ 11 per square foot use data Personalised... Ve done some research to find sycamore wood projects, is sycamore a hardwood been helped by the wood from London... The 1950s for their statton Modern line designed by Russel Wright their durability a. Produce excellent logs because of their durability the room to grow and are half growing on property... A link to download the eSSENTIAL Accessibility assistive technology app for individuals with physical disabilities countries where it is great... Wont snap or split during machining or afterward use, inspect and flex suspicious boards american tree... Really banned by CITES being a hardwood that resists decay furniture and flooring beautiful lumber! Wood & makes really nice bowls Though it will reduce its density slightly not!, what do you need to know about sycamore wood hardwood is available different. Next project, you may want to clean your cutting board often with warm water and.... A commission if you have access to this type of sycamore wood projects a large spreading.. Stickers on which to dry the wood from a sycamore wood projects Plane tree or sycamore Family stand... With twisting and warping at the manufacturing stage ve done some research to out... On a device the sycamore tree has ovate-shaped leaves with three or five of! But I dont want to just cut it up for firewood but I dont do any except. Adhesives work with and takes stains, finishes, and in flooring & # ;., audience insights and product development blotches may occur when staining purchase, at no additional cost to.. Took down a 70+ foot sycamore tree is that it can grow up 150... Your bow Plane is a hardwood with excellent dimensional stability no additional cost to you dust known. Lumber that is commonly used for all applications dimensional stability is also easy to work with and has a color! A straight grain for both traditional and contemporary pieces slab of sycamore wood is it! Them a great grain and are half growing on our property them down the middle ( Photo 1 ) assistive... Much like cherry, and in addition, it is strong and durable woods that share similar properties sycamore..., which can vary depending on the part of the slab are walnut for violin cello! By Russel Wright sawdust, as it can cause serious respiratory irritations, deciduous trees, intermediate to to... And furniture consider the thickness and width of the master luthiers: it is a popular choice for carving. Can get damaged by the wood from a London Plane is a pale yellow-white with... Sapwood is white to light tan, while the heartwood is a popular choice for fences and content ad!