European Beech
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine to medium uniform texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern on the backrest. It is characterized by small, dark, spindle-shaped medullary rays that appear as tiny flecks on radial surfaces.
Color Description
Typically a pale cream color, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Heartwood is a light to medium reddish-brown. This sample shows typical darkening and yellowing of the finish and wood due to age and oxidation, likely enhanced by a light stain or steam-treatment.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Chair making (highly popular for bentwood), flooring, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Europe, predominantly Central and Western regions.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
30 to 50 years based on the style of the chair, wear on the finish, and the oxidation of the industrial fasteners.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered very sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, finishes, and turns well. It is particularly famous for its superb steam-bending properties, which is evident in the curved backrest of this chair.
Notable Features
Neutral scent; contains a high concentration of rays that are visible to the naked eye; excellent acoustic properties; can have high shrinkage when drying.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all types of finishes well. For restoring this piece, a wiping varnish or lacquer would match the original industrial aesthetic. Close-grained nature makes it easy to sand to a high luster.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic tiny dark medullary ray flecks combined with the flat-sawn grain patterns and its ubiquitous use in mid-century institutional furniture/seating strongly identify this as Beech.