European Beech
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with a fine, even texture. Notable ray flecks are visible on quarter-sawn surfaces, appearing as small, dark, silvery-brown dashes.
Color Description
Tends to be a pale cream color, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Heartwood is typically indistinguishable from sapwood unless steamed, which darkens the wood to a more reddish-brown tone. High luster.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable. Poor resistance to rot and insect attack; susceptible to termites and wood-boring beetles.
Common Uses
Furniture (especially bent-wood chairs), flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano pinblocks), tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Europe (Central and Western regions)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/New. The surface shows minimal oxidation or patina, and the milling appears consistent with contemporary mechanical planing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Excellent for both hand and machine tools. Glues, finishes, and turns well. Noted for its superb steam-bending properties, though it has high shrinkage and can be unstable.
Notable Features
Lacks a characteristic odor. Highly susceptible to movement (expansion/contraction) in varying humidity. Known for 'ray fleck' figure.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all types of finishes including oil, lacquer, and polyurethane. Takes stains effectively, though can sometimes be blotchy if not pre-conditioned.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic ray flecks and pinkish-cream hue are diagnostic for Beech, and the grain density is consistent with Fagus sylvatica.