About the wood
Sweet Gum
Liquidambar styraciflua
Two woods in one slab: pale sap gum and reddish brown red gum, with a satin sheen that once sold it as satin walnut. Only older mature trees carry the darker heartwood.
- Janka
- 850 lbf
- Origin
- Southeastern United States
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern
Working & finishing
Generally easy to work, but planing can tear out on the interlocked grain, so the flattening pass is light and the surface is finished on the drum sander. Turns, glues, stains and finishes well and steam bends moderately well. Sweet gum warps and distorts badly in its first drying and still moves appreciably in service, so it is flattened only after the kiln. A hardwax oil brings up the satin luster; a film finish suits a top that needs spill protection.
Care
Wipe spills promptly and clean with a damp cloth. Expect more seasonal width movement than oak or walnut and keep the top on a base that lets it move. Indoor use only; the sapwood is perishable and the heartwood is not decay resistant.