American Beech
Fagus grandifolia • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture. Notable for small, dark medullary rays visible as tiny short dashes (fleck) in the tangential surface.
Color Description
Pale cream to light reddish brown color. Sapwood is very thin and white, nearly indistinguishable from the heartwood in some samples. Maintains a light, clean look with low luster.
Hardness Rating
1300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture/weather.
Common Uses
Furniture chairs, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, food containers, crates/pallets, and bentwood parts.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $6.50 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; appears to be freshly surfaced lumber with no significant oxidation or wear, likely within 1-5 years of harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Low concern; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List. Widely available and FSC certified sources exist.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well. Excellent for steam bending. Machines cleanly though it has a high shrinkage rate.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. High density and weight gives it good resistance to wear. It is distinct for its conspicuous medullary rays that look like small stitch marks.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer to preserve the light color. Responds well to stain but is often left natural to showcase the clean, light grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic small, dark spindle-shaped medullary rays (pith rays) visible on the face grain are a diagnostic hallmark of Beech.