Beech
Fagus grandifolia • Eastern North America
Domestic Hardwood
$$
American Beech is a hard, strong hardwood with excellent shock resistance and bending properties. Widely used for furniture, flooring, and turned items due to its fine, uniform texture.
Janka Hardness
1300
Density
45 lbs/ft³
Moisture
10-12%
Fire Rating
Class B
Durability
Class C - 8-12 years
Price Range
$$
Appearance
Pale cream to pinkish-brown
Key Characteristics
- •Very hard and strong
- •Excellent shock resistance
- •Fine, uniform texture
- •Good bending properties
- •Close grain
- •Takes stain well
Common Applications
- •Furniture
- •Flooring
- •Turned objects
- •Butcher blocks
- •Veneer
- •Tool handles
Maintenance Requirements
Moderate maintenance. Not suitable for outdoor use. Regular cleaning and refinishing for interior applications.
Advantages
- Excellent strength and hardness
- Superior shock resistance
- Great for steam bending
- Takes stain and finish well
- Good dimensional stability
- Affordable hardwood
Considerations
- Not suitable for outdoor use
- Poor decay resistance
- Can be difficult to dry
- Prone to movement with moisture changes
- Color can vary significantly
- May have mineral streaks