American Beech

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

Common Name(s): 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: 46 lbs/ft³ (730 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .54

Hardness: 1,300 lb_f (5,780 N)

Rupture Strength: 14,900 lb_f/in² (102,760 kPa)

Elastic Strength: 1,720,000 lb_f/in² (11,860 MPa)

Crushing Strength: 7,410 lb_f/in² (51.1 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 5.5%, Tangential: 11.9%, Volumetric: 17.2%, T/R Ratio: 2.2

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/Pore: Beech has a fine to medium texture, with closed pores and an even grain structure. Beech can also exhibit a moderate amount of natural luster/sheen.

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.

Durability: Beech is considered non-durable or perishable; it is also susceptible to insect attack.

Workability: Overall, Beech has a good workability, and compares fairly closely to Hard Maple in many aspects. It machines well, and glues, finishes, and turns well. It does, however, have a large amount of movement in service, as evidenced by its large shrinkage numbers, so movement and wood stability must be taken into account for projects involving Beech.

Scent: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: 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.

Price/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.

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 an excellent value for woodworkers.

Some common uses for Beech include: lumber, veneer, flooring, crates/pallets, railroad ties, musical instruments, furniture, turnery, and other small wooden objects.