European Beech
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with a fine, even texture. Shows a cathedral pattern in flat-sawn sections and characteristic small, dark ray flecks when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Typically a pale cream color, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Steamed beech has a darker, more reddish-pink tone. Luster is medium and the color tends to darken slightly to a golden tone with age.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, tool handles, turned objects, and bentwood applications due to its excellent steam-bending properties.
Geographic Origin
Europe; widely distributed across Central and Western Europe.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on thickness and steaming.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled lumber; lacks oxidation or significant patina indicative of reclaimed wood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though it has a high shrinkage rate, necessitating careful drying to avoid movement.
Notable Features
Distinctive short, dark wood rays visible on all surfaces; excellent steam-bending capabilities; lacks a characteristic odor.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all standard finishes well, including polyurethane, lacquer, and oils. Because of its uniform texture, it stains well but can occasionally blotch if not pre-conditioned.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the fine, uniform texture, pale cream/pinkish hue, and the unmistakable tiny dark ray flecks is diagnostic for Beech.