European Beech

European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)

Common Name(s): European Beech

Scientific Name: Fagus sylvatica

Distribution: Europe

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)

Basic Specific Gravity: .53

Hardness: 1,450 lb_f (6,460 N)

Rupture Strength: 15,970 lb_f/in² (110,140 kPa)

Elastic Strength: 2,075,000 lb_f/in² (14,310 MPa)

Crushing Strength: 8,270 lb_f/in² (57.0 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 5.7%, Tangential: 11.6%, Volumetric: 17.3%, T/R Ratio: 2.0

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. 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.

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 severe reactions are quite uncommon, European Beech has been reported as been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price/Availability: European Beech is widely available across Europe, and it very economically priced within its natural range.

Comments: Beech is an important and widely-used hardwood in Europe. Its hardness, wear-resistance, strength, and excellent bending capabilities—coupled with its low price—make this hardwood a mainstay for many European woodworkers. Depending on soil conditions, European Beech can grow to very large sizes, and wide, long lumber is commonly available for use.

Some common uses for Beech include: lumber, veneer, flooring, boat-building, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano pinblocks), plywood, and turned objects.