Sycamore

Sycamore: Timeless Elegance and Functionality

Introduced to Britain during the Middle Ages, Sycamore is the largest among European maples. Despite its plain look, it exudes a unique appeal with its white to cream colour that gracefully darkens to a golden hue over time.

Workability and Versatility

Sycamore is prized for its easy workability. It can be cut in any direction and yields an excellent finish. Its impressive bending properties and easy stainability make Sycamore a top choice for furniture and internal joinery. Historically in Scotland, it was used to craft fine boxes for trinkets and snuff, often alongside dark Laburnum. The captivating wavy-grained or “rippled” Sycamore is typically used for crafting musical instruments and premium furniture.

Perfect for Food Preparation Areas

Thanks to its clean, white appearance and smooth finish, Sycamore is ideal for use in food preparation areas. It’s a popular choice for kitchen table tops, work tops, butchers’ blocks, rolling pins, and bread boards. Traditionally, it was used for creating turned bowls, platters, and tableware. Its hard-wearing nature also makes it suitable for making rollers for textile machinery, as it never stains the cloth.

Euan's Recommendations

Euan highly recommends Sycamore for crafting dining tables and chairs, where its understated elegance can be fully appreciated. In modern kitchens, Sycamore’s practicality and appealing aesthetics make it an exceptional choice for creating a space that is both functional and inviting.