Beech

Beech is an important and widely-used hardwood in Europe with its hardness, wear resistance, strength, and excellent bending capabilities. 

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.