European Beech (with OSB in background)
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture; distinctive small medullary rays visible as dark flecks or "speckles" on the face grain.
Color Description
Pale cream to light pinkish-brown heartwood. The sample shown appears to have been steamed, which deepens the color to a more consistent medium tan or reddish-brown. Low luster.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack; poor resistance to moisture changes without treatment.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, tool handles, veneer, and steam-bent parts.
Geographic Origin
Europe and Western Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (0-5 years); the edge profile and smooth machine finish suggest recent industrial manufacturing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in Europe.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. Glues, finishes, and turns well. It has a high movement in service, so stability must be considered.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Notable for its excellent steam-bending properties and the tiny, dark spindle-shaped pores visible in the longitudinal grain.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Oil or clear lacquer is recommended to highlight the subtle ray flecks. Staining is possible but can result in blotching if not sealed first.
Identification Confidence
High; the sample exhibits the classic fine-pored structure and brown-flecked medullary ray pattern characteristic of Fagus sylvatica, placed against a background of Oriented Strand Board (OSB).