American Beech
Fagus grandifolia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with a fine, uniform texture; distinctive small medullary rays visible as dark flecks on radial surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light to medium reddish-brown, while sapwood is a pale creamy white; little contrast between the two. Dulls to a more yellowish-brown with age.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to high moisture.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, tool handles, crates, pallets, railroad ties, cabinetry, and woodenware (spoons, bowls).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut log (within weeks); sap still appears somewhat moist and bark is intact without significant oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected. Generally sustainable across its native range.
Workability
Generally good with machine and hand tools, though it has a high shrinkage rate and requires care during drying to avoid warping; glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Odoreless and tasteless, making it ideal for food-contact items. Known for excellent steam-bending properties and high shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes including oils, polyurethane, and lacquer; staining can be blotchy, so a sealer is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the smooth thin bark, light reddish-brown hue of the end grain, and characteristic tight growth rings are diagnostic for American Beech.