Wood species
Spalted Sycamore
Spalted American sycamore · Platanus occidentalis
This kiln-dried domestic Sycamore is heavily spalted. Spalting is an artifact of early-stage fungal decay (not to be confused with rot). This wood is effectively even softer than it’s hardness suggests due to the spalting, and requires stabilization for turning.
Key facts
- Janka hardness
- LowAbout 770 lb — feels softer once heavily spalted
- Stability
- AverageRadial ~5% · Tangential ~8.4%
- Grain type
- Interlocked & wavySpongier texture where spalting advances
- Rot resistance
- Indoor useCharacter interior wood
- Sustainability
- UnlistedCITES and IUCN unlisted
- Workability
- Very easyTools cut easily — stabilize before aggressive turning
About this wood
The grain of this wood makes for outstanding end grain cutting boards, and it makes excellent veneers and small items.
What we carry
- Heavily spalted sycamore — black line fungus art on soft ground
Thickness is sold in quarters (4/4, 6/4, and so on) — see our hardwood thickness guide. Grades: NHLA grades.