The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: European Beech

Botanical Name: Fagus, slyvatica

Lumber Name: European Beech

Grows In: Europe with related Species in N. America

Products / Beech, European

Description:

European Beech is widely used in furniture where its light orangey tan color along with its fine graining and small rays offer a distinct contemporary look.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: European Beech offers a medium range of color variability in each of the color ranges this wood is offered in. In the drying process, Beech which is steamed yields a pink/orangey tan color, while the unsteamed Beech yields a blonde tan colored wood. WFI offers steamed Beech. Within each of these selections, Beech ranges in color from a light cream color on through to a medium tan brown and when steamed will have the pinkish/orangey overtones.

Color Change: European Beech undergoes a medium degree of color change with a slight muting of the orangey tan colors and an ambering in color over time.

Hardness:

European Beech is 103% as hard as red oak ( 1300 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak )

Where to Use:

European Beech may be used both residentially and commercially wherever the contemporary look of Beech lends itself.

Stability:

European Beech is relatively unstable and in very dry climates is prone to shrinking.

Allergic Reaction Potential:

There are no known cases of allergic reactions to European Beech sawdust. However, wood dust in general can be a hazard.

Known Finish Issues:

There are no known finish compatibility issues known with European Beech. However, ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.