When it comes to selecting the right wood for your project, you might want to consider Beech. Its durability is one of the reasons why it’s the go-to choice for cabinetry, cooking utensils, tool handles, furniture, sports equipment, even musical instruments are made with Beech.
Affordable Durability
It’s resistance to pressure allows it to bear weight and high-impact force, which means Beech is a great choice for furniture that needs to withstand a beating from high-trafficked areas like in restaurants, hotels, and office spaces. Though there are certainly more durable wood types, none are as reasonably priced.
As nice as affordable durability sounds to your budget, before you go all in on Beech, there are a few things you should be aware of when selecting this type of wood for your project.
Appearance
Beech is typically a pale cream color with a pink or a brown hue and has a distinctive grain pattern. This understated physical appearance is one of the main reasons it’s overlooked by some designers. Before choosing, consider this: sometimes a space needs a fancier touch, but sometimes humbler options shine brighter.
Another thing to know is, Beech is considered perishable, which means it’s susceptible to insect attacks, which is why it is not a suitable choice for permanent outdoor use. As with a lot of wood types, Beech has the potential to soak up moisture. In areas of high humidity or places frequently exposed to Mother Nature’s elements, it might not be your best option.
A Nice Piece of Ash
When combining woods in a project, Ash works very well with Beech. The colors of the woods harmonize well and the contrast between the grain patterns are a natural fit with one another.
Don’t know your elm from your ash? Check out these blog posts to get better acquainted with all your options.
Technical Beech Talk
Name: Fagus grandifolia
Alias: American beech
Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall / 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 45.0 lbs/ft (720 kg/m
Geography: Native to North America and Eurasia
