I like to start off with the Latin name. Platanus Occidentalis. Sounds neat. Also looks neat when it is quarter sawn. You could even say that sycamore is just syc (sic).

Why do I like it? Well, it looks cool. It has this sort of lacy character with maybe some whites, and pinks, and reds, and browns for coloring, though its variable. I also think that it has a kind of three-dimensional look to the grain when finished well. It changes a bit depending on the angle you are looking at it and the type or quality of light hitting it – diffuse versus more directional. It’s tough to explain fully the look and I can’t really show that in a photo, I think. You just have to trust me but also try to see for yourself, if you can. Some things must necessarily be experienced firsthand. 

I also cannot think of another species of wood growing domestically in plentiful supply that looks anything like it. So, in that regard, it’s kind of unique, yes?

Now, I don’t know if I would build and entire kitchen out of it. I think that might be a lot to look at all the time – a sea of sycamore. My preference is to use for smaller items, or as accent pieces within a piece. For example, drawer fronts in smaller pieces. I think it might be tough to build really large pieces out of it. At least where I’m at, I usually only see it regularly in 4/4 stock and in fairly narrow boards – say in the 3 to 6 inch width range.

I think it’s an underused wood but that also makes it a wee bit more economically attractive as it does not seem to get nearly as much attention as say walnut or white oak, or something. So, yes, it tends to be a cheaper hard wood species in my experience. In terms of the ratio of interesting to look at versus cost, it’s pretty high up there I would say.

It can be a bit challenging to plane, either with machines or hand tools, because of a bit of tendency toward tear-out, so you have to take that into account.

So, yeah, sycamore. Because it looks neat. Sometimes that all you need.