European Beech
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine to medium uniform texture. The end grain shows small, distinct medullary rays that appear as short, dark lines (flecks) in radial sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a pale cream color, sometimes with a pink or brown tinge. Sapwood is not clearly demarcated from heartwood. Color tends to darken to a more golden-brown over time and with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if left in contact with the ground or exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, tool handles, turned objects, and high-quality firewood.
Geographic Origin
Europe, particularly Central and Western Europe.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot for kiln-dried FAS grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
The tree appears to be approximately 40 to 60 years old based on the counting of annual growth rings visible on the cross-section.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well, though it has high shrinkage and can be prone to movement if not properly seasoned.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Notable for its excellent steam-bending properties. The bark is characteristically thin, smooth, and grey, even in old age.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for wear resistance in flooring or furniture, while oils enhance the natural subtle fleck of the rays.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the smooth silvery-grey bark, the diffuse-porous end grain with visible medullary rays, and the pale cream coloration are diagnostic for Fagus sylvatica.