Family: Fagaceae
Origin: Eastern United States
Other Common Names: American Beech, Fagus grandifolia
The Tree: The bark of the tree is thin, shiny and silver-grey. It's branches reach up to 120 feet high and 4 feet across.
Appearance: The wood is pale, cream hue, with heartwood that is slightly darker reddish-brown. The wood grain has a straight, even texture with many small flecks.
Density: Beech wood is strong, hard, and heavy. Average reported specific gravity is 54.72 (ovendry weight/green volume), equal to an air-dried weight of 45 pcf. Janka hardness is 1,300 pounds of force.
Drying and Shrinkage: Radial: 5.5%, Tangential: 11.9%, Volumetric: 17.2%, T/R Ratio: 2.2
Working Properties: Easy to work with on machines, glue, finishing, and turning. Beech also responds well to steam-bending.
Durability: Beech is a very durable wood, because of it's hardness and density.
Uses: Lumber, veneer, flooring, crates/pallets, railroad ties, musical instruments, furniture, turned objects, and other small wooden objects.
Availability: Beech is readily available with in it's growth area.