EURO BEECH

The heartwood is very pale white to pink brown. Some logs have a dark red kern or darker veining. Beech has a straight grain and fine, even texture. Steaming will bring out the pink tones.

Technical Data

  • Species Name: Euro Beech

  • Botantical Name(s) : Fagus Sylvatica L

  • Size and location information: Hardwood common thoughout Europe. Average height is 100 to 130 feet, but trees can grow to 150 feet. Average weight is 45 pounds per cubic foot.

  • Density: Dry: 720kg.m3

  • Shrinkage: Exceeding 4% radial, 6% tangential

  • Lyctids Susceptibility: No

  • Termite Resistance (AS3660): No

  • Strength Group: S2/DS4.

  • Workability: The ease of working varies with growth conditions and seasoning. Tough material or badly dried timber will bind on saws, burn when crosscut and be difficult to plane. Beech offers medium resistance to hand and power tools and has a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges. Pre-boring is necessary for nailing, it glues easily, stains well and takes an excellent finish. The steam bending properties are exceptionally good, even tolerant of knots and irregular grain. It has medium stiffness, high crushing strength and medium resistance to shock loads.

  • Uses: Cabinetmaking, high class joinery, solid and laminated furniture, desks and work benches, chairmaking, shoe heels, sportswear, toys, bobbins, woodware, tool handles and turnery. More European Beech is consumed in the U.K. than any other hardwood.

  • Availability: Limited imports.