Introducing Sweet Gum Lumber, a hardwood known for its attractive appearance, workability, and environmentally friendly properties. Sourced from the eastern United States, Sweet Gum is a versatile wood that is suitable for a wide range of applications, from furniture and cabinetry to veneer and plywood. Its light to medium brown color, combined with its fine grain pattern, makes it an appealing choice for both functional and decorative woodworking projects.
Physical Properties of Sweet Gum Lumber
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Density: 38-44 lbs/ft³ (610-705 kg/m³) – Sweet Gum is a moderately dense wood that offers a balance of strength and lightness, making it easy to handle and process.
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Janka Hardness: 770 lbf (3,420 N) – While Sweet Gum is softer than many other hardwoods, it still provides a good level of durability and resistance to abrasion, making it suitable for interior applications.
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Modulus of Rupture: 8,000-10,000 psi (55-69 MPa) – Sweet Gum’s bending strength ensures it can be used in a variety of woodworking applications that require moderate strength and stability.
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Modulus of Elasticity: 1,400,000-1,600,000 psi (9.6-11.0 GPa) – Sweet Gum offers a good level of flexibility, making it a reliable material for a variety of furniture and cabinetry projects.
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Shrinkage: Radial 4.5%, Tangential 7.5% – Sweet Gum experiences moderate shrinkage during the drying process, but once dried, it remains stable and reliable for long-term use.
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Workability: Sweet Gum is easy to work with and machines well, making it a great choice for woodworking projects. It sands, glues, and finishes easily, taking stain and finishes well to enhance its natural appearance.
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Color: Sweet Gum features a light to medium brown color, often with subtle reddish or pinkish hues. The wood’s grain is typically straight, with occasional wavy patterns, giving it a distinctive, attractive look that works well in both contemporary and traditional designs.
Why Choose Sweet Gum?
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Affordable and Versatile: Sweet Gum is an affordable hardwood that offers versatility for a variety of applications. It can be used in everything from furniture and cabinetry to plywood and interior trim.
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Eco-friendly Choice: Sweet Gum is widely available and fast-growing, making it an environmentally sustainable choice for eco-conscious woodworkers. Its responsible harvesting helps promote sustainable forestry practices.
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Easy to Work With: Due to its moderate density and excellent workability, Sweet Gum is ideal for woodworkers of all skill levels. It cuts, sands, and finishes well, making it a go-to material for both professional and DIY projects.
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Attractive Appearance: The wood’s light brown to reddish tones, combined with its straight grain, create a clean, subtle aesthetic that works well in a variety of furniture and home decor styles.
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Durable for Interior Use: While not as hard as some other hardwoods, Sweet Gum’s durability is more than sufficient for interior applications, including furniture, cabinetry, and trim work.
Sweet Gum Lumber is a versatile, environmentally friendly wood that provides both beauty and practicality. Its moderate density, workability, and attractive color make it an excellent choice for a wide variety of woodworking projects. Whether you’re creating custom furniture, cabinetry, or interior decor, Sweet Gum offers a great combination of affordability and performance. Explore our selection of Sweet Gum lumber today and start crafting your next project with this exceptional hardwood.