American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,300 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with the ground.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, even texture. The sample shows a plain-sawn to slightly quarter-sawn face with characteristic small ray flecks visible upon close inspection.
Color & Appearance
Pale pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction between heartwood and sapwood. The color tends to darken slightly to a warm golden-brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with the ground.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (standard domestic hardwood pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated to be freshly cut to a few years old based on surface condition and light oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, widely distributed, readily available, not listed on CITES appendices.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, interior millwork, tool handles, turned objects, and woodenware.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or sawing due to friction. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, lacquers, and polyurethanes very well. Pre-conditioning may help achieve an even stain application.
Notable Features
High shock resistance, heavy and dense with a uniform texture. Contains prominent ray flecks when quarter-sawn.
