Beech

Beech 1

Beech, also called American beech (scientific name: Fagusgrandifolia), is a pale cream color and has a pink/brown hue. Flat cut/sawn surfaces are plain while quarter cut/sawn surfaces present silvery flecks. Its texture is fine to medium and has a straight grain and luster is moderate.

Beech is commonly found in eastern North America. It is perishable, prone to insect attack, and not durable.

Janka Hardness :

5,780 N (1,300 lbf)

Average Dried Weight :

720 kg/m3 (45 lbs/ft3)

Workability :

Good for machining, gluing, and finishing. It turns well and responds excellently to steam bending. A large movement in service means stability needs to be considered.

1

Pricing / Availability

Beech is widely available in the domestic market, and it is an affordable alternative to hard maple thanks to its high density. The material’s hardness also makes it quite a durable choice.

2

Sustainability

Beech is not mentioned in the IUCN’s Red List or the CITES Appendices.

3

Common Uses

It is largely used in musical instruments, as furniture, for flooring purposes, for railroad ties, for veneer, for turned wooden objects, and for small wooden products.