Species Guide
Sap Gum
The Basics
Species Overview
Sap gum is an important and diverse group of hardwoods, often undervalued and growing sustainably throughout the Eastern and particularly the South Eastern USA. Not to be confused with Australian gum (Eucalypt).
Sap gum has a fine uniform texture, but has irregular grain, usually interlocked, often with an attractive grain figure. The sap of gum tends to be wide and is white to light pink in color, whereas the heartwood is reddish brown, typically with dark streaks.
Scientific Name
Liquidambar styraciflua
Avg. Board Length
8’ – 16’
Common Thicknesses
4/4
Also Known As
Sap Gum, Red Gum, Sweet Gum
Avg. Board Width
6” – 9”
Avg. Dried Weight
3.6 lbs/bdft
Where It Comes From
Growth Distribution
Sap gum trees are large with straight trunks growing widely across the South Eastern USA. There are several other, non-commercial, gums that also grow across the United States.
FIA data shows U.S. gum growing stock is 714.6 million m3, 4.9% of total U.S. hardwood growing stock. American gum is growing 22.9 million m3 per year while the harvest is 11.7 million m3 per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing 11.2 million m3 each year. U.S. gum growth exceeds or is in balance with harvest in all the main producing states.
Sap gum is available as sawn lumber and veneer in a variety of grades and sizes. It is usually sold as sap gum with no color specification. Under NHLA Grading Rules each clear cutting must have one red (heartwood) face. When sorted for color red gum (majority heartwood) is much more limited in availability. Lumber is more likely to be available in thinner stock (4/4” & 5/4”) and may be more limited in export markets.
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0-4K
4-8K
8-12K
12-16K
16-20K
20-24K
Volume of live trees on forest land, 1000 m³
Uses
Common Applications
Main uses are cabinet making, furniture and furniture parts, doors, internal joinery and mouldings. Gum has been used and stained, as a substitute for walnut or mahogany.
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Cabinets
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Doors
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Furniture
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Mouldings
