Can Wood From a Sweet Gum Tree Be Used in Construction?

Sweet Gum Lumber Types

• Lumber derived from sweet gum trees is generally divided into two distinct commercial classifications, which includes red gum and sap gum. Red gum is dark, reddish brown heartwood only found in limited quantities within the core of old, mature sweet gum trees. Sap gum, which is a much more subdued pinkish color, is readily available because it is harvested from both young and old sweet gum trees. Of the two lumber types, red gum is considered better quality and more desirable.

Lumber Description

• Sweet gum lumber is a compact-grained, uniformed-textured wood with an interlocking grain. Growth rings and wood rays are essentially so inconspicuous that they cannot be seen by the naked eye. The light, flesh-colored sap gum lumber accepts stain well and is also easily painted. The interlocking grain makes the lumber fairly stiff and it offers strong resistance to splitting. In general, sweet gum is considered a medium weight, relatively soft hardwood.

Lumber Uses

• Red gum, once prized as a valuable resource, was commonly used to construct house paneling and doors in the early 1900s. It was also used in furniture, electronic cabinetry and core stock. Over time, the supply of red gum dwindled, and growers were forced to use lower valued sap gum, which is commonly used to construct pallets, boxes, crates, railroad ties and frame stock. It is also used as a furniture and cabinet veneer for decorative plywood. The advent of manufactured, composite materials in lower-end furniture items has further decreased interest in lumber from sweet gum trees. It is widely considered the least valued, widely available hardwood lumber on the market today.

Considerations

• Sweet gum produces an inexpensive wood that does not have a good reputation in the modern lumber industry. It is considered by many too unstable and warp prone for high value product use. Its lumber requires special attention during the wood drying process because of its high shrinkage tendency and interlocked grain. In addition, wood color and grain can be erratic, which further limits its use. However, a 2005 study undertaken in part by Mississippi State University found sweet gum provides value as a component of high-value composite materials, which could potentially reduce the demand for expensive hardwoods such as oaks.