Beech
Name:
Fagus sylvatica
Origin:
Europe
Colour:
Beech is typically a pale cream colour, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. The veneer tends to be slightly darker coloured, as slicing the veneer usually requires the wood to be prepared with steam, which gives the wood a more golden tone. Flatsawn surfaces tend to be very plain, while quartersawn surfaces exhibit a silvery fleck pattern.
Grain:
The grain is straight, with a fine to medium uniform texture. Moderate natural lustre.
Rot Resistance:
Beech is considered non-durable or perishable; it is also susceptible to insect attacks.
Typical Applications:
veneer, flooring, boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano pin blocks), plywood, and turned objects.
Density:
720 kg/m³ average
Workability:
Overall good workability: it machines well, and glues, finishes and turns well. Beech also responds superbly to steam-bending. It does, however, have a large amount of movement in service, so movement and wood stability must be considered.