Beech, European Steamed

Though Beech is generally an off white, it develops pink hues during the steaming process, which will darken and deepen with age. Beech is steamed to mitigate stresses and movement during the drying process, this ensures better yield and stability in the dried product. Machines, works and finishes well. COLOUR/APPEARANCE Beech is typically a pale cream colour, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Veneer tends to be slightly darker coloured, as slicing the veneer usually requires the wood to be prepared with steam, which gives the wood a more golden tone. Flatsawn surfaces tend to be very plain, while quartersawn surfaces exhibit a silvery fleck pattern. GRAIN/TEXTURE Grain is straight, with a fine to medium uniform texture. Moderate natural luster. ROT RESISTANCE Beech is considered non-durable or perishable; it is also susceptible to insect attack. WORKABILITY Overall good workability; it machines well, and glues, finishes, and turns well. Beech also responds superbly to steam-bending. It does, however, have a large amount of movement in service, so movement and wood stability must be taken into account ODOR No characteristic odor. ALLERGIES/TOXICITY Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, European Beech has been reported as been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. PRICING/AVAILABILITY European Beech is widely available across Europe, and it very economically priced within its natural range. SUSTAINABILITY This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Information used by permission, The Wood Database