Uses of American Beech:
Largest amounts of beech go into flooring, furniture, handles, veneer, woodenware, containers, cooperage, and laundry appliances. When treated, it is suitable for railway ties.
Description:
Beech varies in color from nearly white sapwood to reddish-brown heartwood in some trees. Sometimes there is no clear line of demarcation between heartwood and sapwood. Sapwood may be from 3 to 5 inches thick. The wood has little figure and is of close, uniform texture. It has no characteristic taste or odor.
Range:
Only one species of beech, American beech, is native to the United States. It grows in the eastern one-third of the United States and adjacent Canadian provinces.
Physical Properties:
The wood of beech is classified as heavy (44lbs./cu.ft), hard, strong, high in resistance to shock, and highly suitable for steam bending. Beech shrinks substantially and therefore requires careful drying. It machines smoothly, is an excellent wood for turning, wears well, and is rather easily treated with preservatives. Easy to stain, paint or bleach.
