Common Beech
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, and even texture with small, distinct medullary rays that appear as tiny dark flakes or specks on the radial surface.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a pale cream or pinkish-tan; sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. Color darkens to a more uniform reddish-brown with exposure and is often steam-treated to enhance pink tones.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack, especially when used outdoors.
Common Uses
Furniture, interior joinery, flooring, cabinetmaking, veneer, turned objects, and bent-wood applications due to its excellent steam-bending properties.
Geographic Origin
Europe (Central and Western), also cultivated in parts of North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (Less than 10 years). The surface appears freshly planed or sanded with no significant oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN), widely available as FSC certified; generally considered a highly sustainable hardwood choice in Europe.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, finishes, and turns well, though it has high shrinkage and can be prone to movement if not properly seasoned.
Notable Features
Odourless and tasteless, making it ideal for food-related items like spoons and bowls. Famous for its exceptional steam-bending capabilities.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all standard finishes including oil, polyurethane, and wax. Clear coats are recommended to preserve its light, clean appearance.
Identification Confidence
Low; the provided image is extremely out of focus, showing only a blurry gray-toned surface with no discernible grain features. Identification is based on the most common light-colored hardwoods used for the described texture.