Beechwood is a hardwood valued for its strength, stability, and fine grain. It finds extensive use across various industries, from construction to decorative elements. Its reliable performance makes it a popular choice.
The Source of Beechwood
Beechwood originates from deciduous trees of the Fagus genus, primarily the European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and the American Beech (Fagus grandifolia). European Beech trees are distributed across central and western Europe, from southern Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, and eastward to Turkey. The American Beech is native to eastern North America, with its range stretching from Nova Scotia to Florida, and west to Texas and Wisconsin.
Once harvested, beech logs are processed into usable timber. Logs are sawn into planks and often steamed. This steaming helps reduce internal stresses and contributes to a more uniform color. After steaming, timber is kiln-dried to the appropriate moisture content for its applications.
Distinctive Features
Beechwood exhibits a pale cream color, sometimes with subtle pink or brown hues, and features a straight grain and a fine to uniform texture. This makes it receptive to various finishes and stains. Its density ranges from 600 to 900 kg/m³, contributing to its robust nature.
The wood ranks high on the Janka hardness scale, with American Beech measuring around 1,300 lbf and European Beech at 1,450 lbf. This places its hardness in a similar class to oak and ash. While strong and dense, beechwood is not naturally resistant to decay, moisture, or insect attacks, making it unsuitable for outdoor use without treatment. However, it is highly workable, machining, gluing, and turning well. Beech also responds well to steam bending, allowing it to be shaped into curved forms, a property that sets it apart.
Versatile Applications
Beechwood’s properties make it suitable for a diverse array of products. Its strength and durability make it suitable for furniture, including chairs, desks, tables, and cabinetry. Its hardness and wear resistance also make it popular for flooring, especially in high-traffic areas. Its fine grain and workability make it ideal for turned objects like tool handles, dowels, and kitchenware.
Beyond household items, beechwood is used in specialized applications. Its acoustic properties lead to its use in musical instruments. In brewing, especially for lagers like Budweiser, beechwood chips are introduced during aging. Pre-treated to prevent flavor transfer, these chips provide an extended surface area for yeast to settle and remain active, aiding beer clarification and removing undesirable flavors without imparting a woody taste. This method refines the beer’s character and clarity.