Plane – Lacewood
- Europe
- Hardwood
- Perishable
Plane (Platanus hybrida) The timber is a light reddish-brown colour, defined from the lighter coloured sapwood, generally straight grained, with a fine to medium texture. The characteristic "lace" effect is caused by prominent medullary rays that create a shimmering, flecked appearance across the surface. The wood is moderately dense, machines reasonably well, and finishes to a smooth, attractive surface, though it is not highly durable in exposed conditions.
In the timber industry, lacewood is primarily used for decorative and high-end interior applications where its visual effect is the key feature. It is widely specified for veneers, furniture, cabinetry, interior panelling and feature joinery, as well as for musical instruments and turned objects. It is particularly popular in statement pieces and architectural interiors where bold grain character is desired, rather than for structural or heavy-duty uses.