American Beech
Fagus grandifolia · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (spanning from Southeast Canada to the Gulf Coast of Mexico).
- Hardness
- 1,300 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if left in contact with moisture or soil. Poor weathering characteristics.
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Grain Pattern
Straight and closed-grain with a uniform texture. When quarter-sawn, it displays a distinct pattern of small, dark pith rays. End grain shows numerous small pores in no specific arrangement.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a pale straw color to light reddish brown. Sapwood is yellowish white and generally fairly thin; however, there is usually little contrast between heartwood and sapwood. It tends to darken slightly with age to a more golden-brown hue.
Hardness (Janka)
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if left in contact with moisture or soil. Poor weathering characteristics.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.50 - $6.00 per board foot (varies by region and grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly harvested log (green wood); the presence of intact, thin, silver-grey bark and lack of significant fungal staining or weathered grey patina suggests the wood was cut within the last 3-6 months.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed in CITES appendices. FSC certification is common for this species.
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, furniture (particularly chairs and bent wood), tool handles, internal joinery, crates/pallets, and fuel wood (firewood).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (spanning from Southeast Canada to the Gulf Coast of Mexico).
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools. It has high shrinkage and may warp or check during drying. It glues, finishes, and turns well, and it is excellent for steam bending.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all standard finishes well, including polyurethane, lacquer, and oils. Due to its uniform density, it stains well but can occasionally be blotchy if not pre-treated with a wood conditioner.
Notable Features
Virtually odorless. Known for its high density and excellent shock resistance. The bark is famously thin and smooth, remaining so even as the tree reaches a large size, often making it a target for carving.
