American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Hardness
Hard and durable; stands up to wear and traffic.
Overview
A hard, even-grained workhorse, cheap, strong, and great for things that take a beating. Moves a lot with humidity, so design accordingly.
Commonly built
- Workbenches
- Chairs
- Tool handles
- Wooden toys
Appearance
Pale cream to light reddish-brown, with a fine, even texture and small, tight flecks on quartersawn faces.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Works well with sharp tools, turns and steam-bends beautifully. The big catch: it's not dimensionally stable, expect noticeable seasonal movement. Glues and finishes well.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn american beech panel moves roughly 0.68 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does American Beech move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is American Beech?
American Beech has a Janka hardness of 1300 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is American Beech suitable for outdoor use?
American Beech is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is American Beech to work with?
American Beech has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does American Beech move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn american beech panel moves roughly 0.68 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Finishing notes
Closed, uniform grain that can blotch under stain, condition or use dye first. Takes clear finishes well and stays light. Steams and bends well, and finishes predictably for a utility hardwood.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used american beech, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.