German Beech

Beech is the pre-eminent species of Europe's temperate forest, the second largest in the world. It makes up 57% of Germany's hardwood forests. German law limits cutting to less than 66% of the new-growth rate. Europe's forests have the highest growth rate percentage in the world. German Beech is easy to machine, nails and glues well.  Lightly steamed Beech is used in applications where clear finishes are utilized to highlight the natural beauty of the wood's grain and color uniformity. It is also used to mimic other more expensive woods such as Maple, Cherry, Mahogany and Walnut. Common uses include cabinetry, high-class joinery, furniture, chairs, desks, domestic flooring, sliced veneer and plywood.  Beech is also used in musical instruments, toys, sports equipment, shoe heels, tool handles and wooden ware. It can be bent to very small radii, which makes it particularly useful in the furniture industry.

Color: Normally white, pale cream or pale brown and is steamed to relieve drying stresses while also brining out a pinkish-red color.

Grain: Close and straight grained, with little figure and a uniform texture, identified by its dark pores in conspicuous rays.

Characteristics: Fairly hard and strong. Good resistance to abrasive wear. Has exceptional steam bending properties, even when knots and irregular grain are present.

Finishing: Easy to paint, stain or bleach and when sanded, stained and polished, produces an excellent smooth finish.