American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,300 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Perishable; poor resistance to rot and insect attack, susceptible to moisture-related movement.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, tight, and fine-textured with a distinctive silver-grain or flecked figure on quartersawn surfaces due to wide medullary rays.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light reddish-brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood. It features a medium luster and tends to darken toward a golden brown with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Perishable; poor resistance to rot and insect attack, susceptible to moisture-related movement.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Approximately $4.50 - $7.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 1-5 years based on the lack of oxidation and surface patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Common Uses
Furniture (specifically bentwood chairs), flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, butcher blocks, crates, and woodturning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools; glues and finishes well, though it has high shrinkage and can be prone to movement if not properly seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for wear resistance; food-grade mineral oil for butcher blocks.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Notable for its excellent steam-bending properties and its characteristic small, dark pith rays that appear as tiny dashes or flecks.
