Wood Guide
American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Beech is pale with fine, even texture and subtle ray fleck when quartersawn. It’s hard‑wearing and a staple for shop fixtures and drawers.
Overview
Uniform cream to light tan; ray fleck adds subtle interest on quartersawn faces.
Maker’s note: Moves more than many hardwoods—design allowances are key.
Appearance
Heartwood
Pale Tan
Pale Tan
Sapwood
Cream
Cream
Grain
Straight
Texture Fine
Luster Low
Properties
Janka hardness
1300 lbf
1300 lbf
Density
720 kg/m³
720 kg/m³
MOR
110 MPa
110 MPa
Crushing strength
57 MPa
57 MPa
Shrink (radial)
5.5%
5.5%
Shrink (tangential)
11.9%
11.9%
Shrink (volumetric)
17%
17%
Movement
High
High
Steam bending
Excellent
Excellent
Values are typical; verify with your supplier.
Workability & Safety
Machining
Machines well but can move after machining; allow parts to rest before final sizing.
Hand tools
Planes cleanly with sharp edges; grain reversals are uncommon.
Turning
Turns cleanly; ideal for mallets and shop tools.
Sanding schedule 120 → 150 → 180 → 220
Gluing Good
Finishing notes Accepts dyes and stains evenly; pore filling rarely needed.
Silica present
Blunting effect Medium
Food contact OK
Toxicity flags
Toxicity notes Standard dust PPE recommended.
Sourcing & Sustainability
Domestic species; easy to source in most grades.
FSC available
Pricing —
Notes: Affordable; movement requires thoughtful design and sealing. • Updated:
Uses & Positioning
Avoid for Exterior applications
Choose when you need a tough, economical pale hardwood; let parts acclimate after milling.
Gallery
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