European Beech
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a fine, even texture; shows characteristic small silvery pith rays on quartersawn surfaces and small dark specks on flatsawn faces.
Color Description
Typically a pale cream color, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Heartwood tends to be slightly darker. It darkens to a golden tan with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; poor resistance to decay and insect attack; highly susceptible to moisture changes.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, plywood, tool handles, and turned objects; commonly used for bentwood furniture due to its excellent steam-bending properties.
Geographic Origin
Europe, specifically Central and Western Europe.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (under 5 years); the surface appears freshly sanded with minimal oxidation and shows modern machining marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, finishes, and turns well. It has a high shrinkage rate and can be dimensionally unstable.
Notable Features
Odoreless and tasteless, making it ideal for food-related items like cutting boards. Known for its exceptional steam-bending capabilities.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishing types including polyurethane, oils, and lacquer. Takes stains well, though it can sometimes blotch; a sealer is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive fine pores, pale pinkish-tan hue, and characteristic medullary ray flecks (pith rays) are hallmarks of the Fagus genus.