BEECH

Fagus grandifolia

Shown with water-based finish (top), and oil-based finish (bottom)

APPEARANCE

Color: Heartwood is mostly reddish brown; sapwood is generally pale white.
Grain: Mostly closed, straight grain; fine, uniform texture.  Coarser than European Beech.
Species & Grade Variations: Only one species is native to the United States.  Moderate to high color variation between boards.

PROPERTIES

Hardness (Janka): 1300; 1% harder than Northern Red Oak.
Dimensional Stability: Below average (change coefficient .00431; 17% less stable than Red Oak).
Durability: Elastic, hard; excellent shock resistance.  Wears well and stays smooth when subjected to friction -- popular for factory floors.

WORKABILITY

Sawing / Machining: Difficult to work with hand tools, but good machining qualities.
Sanding: Sands satisfactorily
Nailing: Good holding ability, but has a tendency to split.
Finishing: No known problems.

COST

(Relative to plainsawn select Red Oak)
Multiplier: 1.20

AVAILABILITY

Limited.