American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,300 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable; highly susceptible to decay, rot, and powder-post beetle attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, even texture. The boards display a mix of flat-sawn and quarter-sawn surfaces, characteristic of beech with its prominent wood rays visible as small flecks on quarter-sawn faces.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light reddish-brown heartwood with little visible distinction between sapwood and heartwood. The color tends to darken slightly to a deeper golden or amber tone with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; highly susceptible to decay, rot, and powder-post beetle attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $5.00 per board foot (standard domestic hardwood pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old, evidenced by the mild surface oxidation, characteristic patina, and minor insect bore holes at the top edge of the primary sample.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainably harvested from managed forests in North America.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, woodenware, turnings, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it burns easily during routing or sawing due to friction. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. Polyurethane, lacquer, or traditional oil finishes provide an even and smooth appearance after proper sanding.
Notable Features
High shrinkage rate upon drying (susceptible to movement in service), heavy shock resistance, and characteristic broad medullary rays.
