Sweetgum (Redgum)

Hardness

On the soft side; easy to work, but marks with hard use.

Overview

Affordable and fine-textured, with attractive figured heartwood ('redgum'). Prone to warping, so dry stock and stable construction matter.

Commonly built

• Veneer
• Furniture
• Plywood cores

Appearance

Pale sapwood ('sapgum') with reddish-brown, often streaked or figured heartwood ('redgum'). Fine, even texture.

Recommended uses

Uses to avoid

Similar species

Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.

• American Sycamore770 lbf
• Hackberry880 lbf
• American Beech1300 lbf
• Boxelder720 lbf

Working notes

Works well with sharp tools and takes finish nicely. Notorious for warping and high movement, use well-dried, quartersawn stock and account for movement. Often used as veneer.

Wood movement

A 24-inch-wide flatsawn sweetgum (redgum) panel moves roughly 0.57 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.

How much does Sweetgum (Redgum) move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.

Common questions

Finishing notes

Fine, even, closed grain that can blotch under pigment stain like maple, so condition first or use dye for even color. The figured heartwood ('redgum') finishes beautifully under a clear film finish. Prone to warping, so it is often used as veneer; flat, quartersawn stock finishes most reliably. Takes clear finishes cleanly once conditioned.

Community photos

Real photos from woodworkers who've used sweetgum (redgum), reviewed before they appear here.

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