Maple, European – Sycamore – Sycamore maple

Names and distribution:

The name “maple” generally refers to the tree species “sycamore maple”(Acer pseudoplatanus). It is widespread across Central and Eastern Europe. Scotland and Bosnia are particularly prized growing areas. In Germany, it is well represented in mixed deciduous forests, where it thrives alongside beech, oak and ash. In addition to sycamore maple, Norway maple and field maple are also found in Germany, albeit to a much lesser extent. Both species differ from sycamore maple in trunk shape and color.

Wooden picture:

All woods of the Acer genus are characterized by a strikingly uniform structure, fine pores and a whitish light yellow color. However, there are also isolated cases of framing, which is particularly desirable. The latewood zones are clearly demarcated. In sycamore maple, these tend towards light brown, while in Canadian maple they tend towards reddish. Norway maple and field maple are usually more colorful, i.e. grey-brownish or even pinkish-grey, and are therefore often heavily steamed to even out color differences. The wood of sycamore maple is comparable to beech in terms of density, just as plain and with a straight grain. Simple and decorative.

Properties:

The specific weight is given as approx. 0.68 t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. Sycamore must be processed and dried quickly to avoid discoloration. With fresh wood, there is a risk of discoloration (lath marks, staining). The shrinkage is specified as 2.5% radial and 5.5% tangential. The dimensional stability of maple is good to satisfactory, with values between those of oak and beech. Maple is easy to work with all tools; smooth surfaces are produced. The modulus of elasticity varies between 9,400 – 11,400 N/mm2. The Brinell hardness is given as 27. Wood is sensitive to fungi and is not durable.

Use:

Furniture making, parquet flooring, turnery, instrument making, veneers.