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.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture and distinct small medullary rays visible as flecks on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to pinkish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction between sapwood and heartwood; darkens to a richer golden-brown or reddish hue over time with exposure to light.
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 $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recently milled (within the last few years) based on clean light coloration and lack of heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern according to the IUCN; widely available and not listed on CITES appendices.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, woodenware, turned objects, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when routed or crosscut if feed rates are too slow, and can warp if not dried carefully.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, and finishes (lacquer, varnish, polyurethane, and oil) exceptionally well without requiring special preparation.
Notable Features
High shock resistance and excellent bending qualities when steam-bent; distinct fine fleck ray pattern when quarter-sawn.
