Sycamore Mantels

Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) grows to a larger diameter than any other hardwood tree in America, and is exceeded in growth rate only by Cottonwood, soft maple, and black willow. It is not unusual for young trees on good sites to average 1 inch in diameter and 6 feet in height of growth during each of the first 10 years after planting. With its light green-grey bark it is occasionally referred to as "The Ghost Tree"    Sycamore is used for a variety of products, but the relative importance of its principal uses has changed throughout the years Sychamore is frequently used for pulpwood along with other species of hardwoods. Sycamore along with Tupil Popular can sometimes grow to heights exceeding 200 ft. When quartersawn, Sycamore possesses a distinctive fleck figure. Used to a great extend in furniture, Sycamore is sometimes rotary-cut for veneer.    Workability is generally good but may bind on saws without appropriately installed riving knives. Shrinkage is light but it does have a tendency to warp.    Other Names: American sycamore, Buttonwood, Buttonball, Planewood Botanical Name Platanus occidentalis Origin Eastern United States Janka Hardness 770 lbf Average Dried Weight 34 lbs/ft3 Workability Sycamore works easily with both hand and machine tools. The interlocked grain can be troublesome at times. Sycamore turns, glues, and finishes well. Related Species London Plane (Platanus x hybrida)