American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,300 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture)
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture. The surface displays distinct, broad medullary rays visible as flecks or short lines, characteristic of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn beech.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to pinkish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction from the lighter sapwood. It has a moderate natural luster and tends to darken to a deeper golden-brown or amber tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable (susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $5.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent kiln-dried lumber, approximately 1-5 years old based on clean machining marks and light surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely available with no CITES restrictions; commonly harvested from sustainably managed forests.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, woodenware, turnings, and veneer
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or sawing due to friction. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. Polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, or hardening oils produce a smooth, professional result without requiring special primers.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, excellent bending properties when steam-bent, distinct broad medullary rays creating a fleck pattern on quartered surfaces, and lacks significant natural oils.
