Latin Name: Fagus sylvatica
Common Name(s): European Beech
Sources: Europe
Characteristics
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Beech is typically a pale cream color, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Veneer tends to be slightly darker colored, as slicing the veneer usually requires the wood to be prepared with steam, which gives the wood a more golden tone. Flatsawn surfaces tend to be very plain, while quartersawn surfaces exhibit a silvery fleck pattern. |
Grain/ Texture
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Grain is straight, with a fine to medium uniform texture. Moderate natural luster. |
Workability
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Overall good workability; it machines well, and glues, finishes, and turns well. Beech also responds superbly to steam-bending. It does, however, have a large amount of movement in service, so movement and wood stability must be taken into account. |
Uses
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Lumber, veneer, flooring, boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano pinblocks), plywood, and turned objects. |
Availability
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European Beech is widely available across Europe, and it very economically priced within its natural range. |