Platane

Platanus acerifolia

Trade Names

Sycamore Plane, English Plane, American Sycamore, Plane, Harewood

Similar Woods

American Sycamore

Origin

Europe

Range

Europe with the exception of Northern and Northeastern Europe almost exclusively occuring as trees alongside roads and in gardens and parks. No commercial forestry growing and cultivation.

Uses

Apart from the cluster and burl produced as veneer in two ways: as flat sliced veneers and “snakeskin” veneers, true quarter-sliced. Architectural wood for furniture and paneling.

Properties

Heartwood is reddish-grey to brown. Plane takes on a wine-red color when steamed. Color variations within one log are possible and cannot be avoided. The snakeskin effect achieved by true quarter slicing is the result of extremely regular pith rays making the veneer very decorative.

Machining

Plane works well and easily with all tools. Planed surfaces have an attractive lustrous finish.

Seasoning

Plane wood dries extremely quickly without any great risk of splitting but is prone to warping. Drying too quickly can lead to inner collapse which is why slower drying is to be recommended.

Finishing

Plane can be easily treated with good results and no problems. The best effect is achieved by polishing because of its texture.

Jointing

It is easy to produce joints with glue, screws and nails, all of which hold well.
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