American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America.
- Hardness
- 1300 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine and uniform texture with noticeable short, dark ray flecks when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to pinkish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction from the sapwood; darkens to a richer golden-brown or amber with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1300 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 6.00 USD per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber sample, fresh appearance with minimal aging or patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists; widely abundant and sustainable.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, turned objects, butcher blocks, and woodenware.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it burns easily during routing or sawing due to friction and can warp if not properly dried.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes very well; sanding up to fine grits produces a smooth, polished finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive fine rays creating characteristic fleck patterns on quartered surfaces; heavy, strong, and stiff with high shock resistance.
