Sycamore wood
Contents |
Introduction
Sycamore, also known as European sycamore or Acer pseudoplatanus, are deciduous trees with broad leaves. They can grow up to 115 feet, or 35 metres, with a trunk that is three to four feet in diameter. Its sapwood is often more utilised than the heartwood, providing light golden to reddish brown wood.
This tree is thought to have been introduced into the UK in the Middle Ages, and since then has become a naturalised species. It is more likely to be found in southern, eastern, and central Europe. The botanical name, Acer pseudoplatanus, refers to ‘like a plane tree’, as its leaves are superficially similar to those in the Platanus genus.
Properties
With a typically straight grain with occasional waves, sycamore wood has a fine yet even texture. This wood has a rating of perishable or non-durable when it comes to rot resistance, so it is vital to ensure that it does not take in any water. However, its strength properties are high, like oak trees. It is also susceptible to termites, and it must be treated accordingly to prevent decay.
Sycamore has no characteristic odour and does not stain or taint food, which makes it ideal for kitchenware use. The wood has an average weight of 38 lbs/ft3, or approximately 615 kg/m3 when dried.
Woodworking
Whether with machine tools or by hand tools, sycamore wood is relatively easy to work with. Although some blotches may occur when staining, sycamore wood glues, turns, and finishes well. The use of a gel stain, for example, can be a good solution to provide an even colour throughout. This wood takes well to screws and nails and provides an excellent base for paint and polish.
Its use, however, may require caution, as sycamore wood and other Acer genus trees have been known to cause respiratory effects similar to asthma, and to irritate the skin, and cause a runny nose.
Common uses
Although not as popular as other maple species of trees, European sycamore can still be used for a wide variety of projects. Should screws or nails need to be used, pre-drilling is often advised. This type of wood can burn easily, and allowing for it to acclimatise to the surrounding environment is recommended.
Sycamore wood is often used for:
- Cabinets.
- Veneer.
- Kitchenware.
- Musical instruments.
- Small speciality wood items.
- Turned objects.
With regards to tools, it is recommended to use stellite-tipped saw teeth and tungsten carbide cutting tools. The occasional waviness of the sycamore grain may make sawing and planing more difficult. The cutting angle and the feed rate should be reduced.
Find out more
Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 11 things you didn't know about wood.
- A guide to the use of urban timber FB 50.
- Carpentry.
- Chip carving.
- Physical Properties of Wood.
- Testing timber.
- The Art of Pyrography.
- The best woods for carving.
- The differences between hardwood and softwood.
- Timber.
- Timber preservation.
- Timber vs wood.
- Types of wood.
- The Properties of Sycamore Wood
- Physical Properties of Wood
- The Uses of Wood in Construction
Featured articles and news
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
An introduction to WERCS and WEEE responsibilities
Dealing with 2 million tonnes of waste equipment a year.
Global BACS Market: analytics and optimisation
A BSRIA glance at building automation and control systems.
What it is and how to use it.
Types of insulating plaster by binder and insulant.
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.