American Beech (Alternative: European Beech)
Fagus grandifolia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,300 lbf - Hard
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to decay, rot, and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture. Features characteristic prominent wood rays visible on quartered surfaces, and distinct pith flecks.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to pinkish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction between sapwood and heartwood. Under a clear finish, it darkens to a warm golden-amber hue with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,300 lbf - Hard
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to decay, rot, and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (standard domestic hardwood pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively modern, finished within the last 1 to 5 years based on the condition of the clear resin or gloss coating.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern; widely abundant and sustainable with good availability, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior millwork, tool handles, turned objects, and specialty items like this coin holder.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it tends to burn easily during routing or cutting if feed rates are too slow. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and film finishes (like polyurethane, lacquer, or epoxy as seen here) exceptionally well with minimal preparation.
Notable Features
High shock resistance and excellent steam-bending properties. Exhibits distinct brown pith flecks which are characteristic of beech wood.
