Wood Species
| Common Name: | American Beech |
| Scientific Name: | Fagus grandifolia |
| Distribution: | Eastern United States |
| Tree Size: | 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter |
| Average Dried Weight: | 45 lbs/ft3 (720 kg/m3) |
| Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): | .54, .72 |
| Janka Hardness: | 1,300 lbf (5,780 N) |
| Modulus of Rupture: | 14,900 lbf/in2 (102.8 MPa) |
| Elastic Modulus: | 1,720,000 lbf/in2 (11.86 GPa) |
| Crushing Strength: | 7,410 lbf/in2 (51.1 MPa) |
| Shrinkage: | 5.5%, Tangential: 11.9%, Volumetric: 17.2%, T/R Ratio: 2.2 |
Beech grain
Beech end grain
Color/Appearance: 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. (See scan below.) Flatsawn surfaces tend to be very plain, while quartersawn surfaces exhibit a silvery fleck pattern.
Grain/Texture: Grain is straight, with a fine to medium uniform texture. Moderate natural luster.
Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; small pores gradually becoming less frequent from earlywood to latewood; solitary and in multiples and clusters; tyloses occasionally present; growth rings distinct due decreased latewood pore frequency; rays easily visible without lens, though size is inconsistent, noded; parenchyma usually not visible with lens.
Rot Resistance: Beech is considered non-durable or perishable; it is also susceptible to insect attack.
Workability: 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.
Odor: No characteristic odor.
Allergies/Toxicity: Although there is no confirmed safety data on American Beech, the closely related European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions from this related species include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Pricing/Availability: Within its domestic range, Beech is readily available and affordable. With its high density and hardness, it may be a cheaper alternative to Hard Maple in some applications.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Common Uses: Lumber, veneer, flooring, crates/pallets, railroad ties, musical instruments, furniture, turned objects, and other small wooden objects.
Comments: American Beech is sometimes underrated and under-appreciated: which may be due to its somewhat bland appearance. Yet considering its decent strength and hardness—and its comparatively low cost—Beech represents excellent value for woodworkers.