Beech

Scientific Name: Fagus grandifolia

Other Common Names: American Beech, North American Beech

Beech, grown in the Appalachian region, features a pale, creamy hue with subtle pink or brown undertones. This hardwood is prized for its fine, uniform texture and straight grain, making it easy to work with for both hand and machine tools. Its consistent density lends itself to precise shaping, bending, and finishing, making Beech a dependable choice for projects that require both durability and refinement.

Available in multiple grades, Beech easily adapts to a range of applications- from your everyday kitchenware and to modern furniture- serving both small-scale and high-volume OEMs. Thanks to its affordability, reliable availability, and classic appearance, Beech remains a staple in design.

Machining
Sanding
Finishing
Gluing
Fastening

Screwing/Nailing

Quick Fact:

Beech’s outstanding steam-bending qualities have long made it a favorite for crafting bentwood chairs—an iconic design element that combines both strength and elegance.

What’s Beech Used For?
  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Cabinetry
  • Veneers
  • Tool Handles
  • Musical Instruments
  • Wooden Utensils and Kitchenware
Why Beech?
  • Fine, uniform texture
  • Straight grain for easy machining
  • Excellent for steam bending and shaping
  • Stable and resilient under various conditions
  • Takes stains and finishes well

NWH Appalachian is available as PEFC certified, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Controlled Wood or PEFC Controlled Sources.

How Does Beech Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?

Lumber
(12 % moisture content)
MachiningSandingFinishingGluingFastening/
Nailing/
Screwing
Weight
per bdft
Specific
Gravity
(Density)
Hardness
(Janka)
Bending
Strength
(MOR)
Bending
Stiffness
(MOE)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
R (%)
Dimensional
Movement
(Shrinkage)
T (%)
Alder101010972.45.415909,8001,3804.47.3
Ash9109863.56.611,32015,0001,7404.97.8
Basswood10109882.50.374108,7001,4606.69.3
Beech8810883.69.641,26014,9001,7205.511.9
Cherry10910973.07.5295012,3001,4903.77.1
Hickory377334.14.671,82013,7001,7304.98.9
Hard Maple9810943.73.641,45015,8001,8304.89.9
PC Maple9910952.74.5085010,7001,4503.77.1
Soft Maple8910953.19.5595013,4001,6404.08.2
Red Oak (Northern)10109973.64.631,22014,3801,7614.08.6
Oregon White Oak999884.34.721,64010,2001,0904.29.0
White Oak (Eastern)9109773.94.681,35014,3801,7624.48.8
Poplar9810962.81.4354010,1001,5804.68.2
Walnut989773.36.561,01014,6001,6805.57.8
Yellow Birch10810823.53.621,26016,6002,0107.39.5

Grades Available

Tailored for Appalachian hardwoods, NWH’s proprietary grades focus on structural integrity and dimensional consistency—helping you optimize yield, cutting efficiency, and overall value.
1 Grades Available
Beech Prime is our highest grade, yielding at a minimum 83-1/3% clear face cutting. Beech Prime is i...
Applications
  • Furniture
  • Flooring
  • Cabinetry
  • Veneers
  • Tool Handles
  • Musical Instruments
  • Wooden Utensils and Kitchenware