European Beech
Fagus sylvatica · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Europe (widely spread across Central and Western Europe).
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay, rot, and insect attacks if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight and uniform with prominent fine, dark reddish-brown medullary rays appearing as small short dashes or flecks throughout the surface. Mostly quarter-sawn to rift-sawn orientation visible.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-tan to pale yellowish-brown pinkish tone. Heartwood and sapwood show minimal distinction. Tends to darken slightly to a warmer golden hue with light exposure and age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay, rot, and insect attacks if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $5.00 - $8.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern processed lumber; clean machine-milled surfacing with light natural patina, likely milled within the last 1-5 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Not CITES listed. Widely available from sustainably managed European forests with FSC certification.
Common Uses
Furniture, bentwood chairs, cabinetwork, flooring, workbench tops, wooden tools, turnery, veneer, and cutting boards.
Geographic Origin
Europe (widely spread across Central and Western Europe).
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and machine tools. Planes smoothly and glues, stains, and finishes well. Responds exceptionally well to steam-bending.
Finish Recommendations
Takes virtually all finishes well including polyurethanes, lacquer, oil finishes, and shellac. Stains evenly, though clear topcoats preserve the natural pale pinkish-gold color best.
Notable Features
Characteristic short ray flecks (looks like tiny dark dashes), absence of distinct odor, excellent steam-bending capability, high density, and fine, uniform texture.
