Beech — Identification, Uses and Properties
Fagus sylvatica L. Fagaceae
Sawn timber appearance grading According to French standard NF EN 975-1 (April 2009) Possible grading for boules: F-BA, F-B1, F-B2, F-B3 Possible grading for selected boards: F-SA, F-S1, F-S2, F-S3 Possible grading for strips and square edged timber: F-F1, F-F2, F-F3 Possible grading for pre-cut wood: F-DA, F-D1, F-D2 The letter “R” after the class indicates “red heart included”. Visual structure grading According to European standard EN 1912 (2012) and associated national standards (see explanatory note), strength classes D35 and D40 can be provided by visual grading. Strength classes D18, D24, D35 and D40 can be provided by visual grading according to French standard NF B 52-001-1/A3 (2016).
Beech wood is easy to stain.
HARDWOOD EUROPE ARCHED GOODS
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Fagus sylvatica L.
Family
Fagaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Buche (Germany), Haya (Spain), Fayard, Hêtre (France), Faggio (Italy), Beech (United Kingdom), spruce: Les Woodies, holiday homes and technological showcase (Glued laminated timber and interior décor in beech and common), communes de la Vôge, vers les rives de la Moselle, Xertigny (France). (for beech wood construction, Terres de hêtre®; Communauté de)
Origin Region
Europe
Main End Uses
Arched goods · Turned goods · Coffins · Boxes and crates · Veneer for back or face of plywood · Interior joinery · Built-in furniture or mobile item · Moulding · Flooring · Seats · Marquetry
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Light brown
Texture
Fine
Grain
Straight to wavy
Sapwood
Not demarcated
Interlocked Grain
Absent
Notes
Light brown wood from cream white to pale pink sometimes with reddish areas near the heart. Thin characteristic silver figure. Sometimes wavy grain.
Wood Identifier App
Identify Beech and more with the app
Snap a photo and get instant AI-powered species recognition. Available on Google Play and the App Store.
Log Description
Tree height
100 – 130 ft
Tree height
30 – 40 m
Diameter
40 to 90 cm cm
Sapwood Thickness
Not applicable cm
Buoyancy
Not applicable
Log Conservation
Low (treatment necessary)
Diameter
15.7 to 35.4 in in
Sapwood Thickness
Not applicable in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
0.71 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
44.3 lb/ft³
Monnin Hardness
4.2
Janka Hardness
1,260 lbf
Janka Hardness
5,605 N
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
0.54 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
11.6 %
Radial Shrinkage
5.7 %
T/R Anisotropy Ratio
2
Fibre Saturation Point
32 %
Thermal Conductivity
0.24 W/m·K
Thermal Conductivity
0.139 BTU/(h·ft·°F)
Lower Heating Value
18,290 MJ/kg
Lower Heating Value
7,863 BTU/lb
Crushing Strength
57 MPa
Crushing Strength
8,267 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
111 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
16,099 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
15,300 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
2,219,077 psi
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
Class 5 - non-durableDry Wood Borers
Class S - susceptible (risk in all the wood)Termites
Class S - susceptibleTreatability
Class 1 – treatable Cross sections of Fagus sylvaticaUse Class
Class 2 - inside or under cover (dampness possible)Preservation Requirements
Against Dry Wood Borers
This wood requires appropriate preservation treatmentTemporary Humidification
This wood requires appropriate preservation treatmentNotes
Red heartwood is not permeable to preservation products.Drying Schedule & Risks
Drying Rate
Slow
Risk Distortion
High risk
Risk Case Hardening
Yes
Risk Checking
High risk
Risk Collapse
Yes
Suggested Schedule
Schedule #5 (see explanatory note)
Sawing & Machining
Blunting Effect
Normal
Tooth For Sawing
Stellite-tipped
Machining Tools
Tungsten carbide
Suitability Peeling
Good
Suitability Slicing
Good
Notes
The frequent presence of growth stresses in the logs might complicate sawing (risk of splits and distortions in boards during sawing). Beech wood has a good aptitude for bending.Assembling & Finishing
Nailing Screwing
Good but pre-boring necessary
Fire Safety & Ratings
French Grading Thick Gt14mm
M3 (moderately flammable) Thickness < 14 mm: M4 (readily flammable) Euroclass grading. D-s2, d0 Default grading for solid wood that meets requirements of European standard NF EN 14081-1 (April 2016): structural graded timber in vertical uses and ceilings with minimal mean density of 0.35 and minimal thickness of 22 mm.
French Grading Thick Lt14mm
M4 (readily flammable) Euroclass grading. D-s2, d0 Default grading for solid wood that meets requirements of European standard NF EN 14081-1 (April 2016): structural graded timber in vertical uses and ceilings with minimal mean density of 0.35 and minimal thickness of 22 mm.
Euroclass
D-s2, d0 Default grading for solid wood that meets requirements of European standard NF EN 14081-1 (April 2016): structural graded timber in vertical uses and ceilings with minimal mean density of 0.35 and minimal thickness of 22 mm.
CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
No trade restrictions
Trade Notes
Temperate western European species. Found until 60th
Back to Species Library
Completeness: 1.9 / 10