WoodSwatch · The Wood Ledger
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Also known as: Common Beech, English Beech
Technical Spec Sheet
2026-07-14
Reference grain swatch
- Janka Hardness
- 1,300 lbf (5,783 N)
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 720 kg/m³ (45 lb/ft³)
- Specific Gravity
- 0.72
- Type
- Temperate hardwood
- Grain
- Straight with fine rays
- Texture
- Fine and even
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to insect attack
- Region
- Europe
- Sustainability
- Sustainable — Sustainable, abundant in European forests
Overview
European Beech is a classic temperate hardwood valued for its excellent steam bending properties and uniform texture. It is the wood of choice for bentwood chairs and has been a staple of European furniture making for centuries. The wood steams to a warm reddish color and works beautifully with hand and machine tools.
The heartwood is pale cream to pinkish brown, darkening to warm reddish tones when steamed. It has a fine, even texture with straight grain and prominent ray figure. Dried weight averages 720 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 1,300 lbf. The wood is strong and responds exceptionally well to steam bending.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate - hard wood wears tools
Gluing
Excellent gluing properties
Finishing
Takes stains and finishes beautifully; steams to attractive reddish color
Steam Bending
Excellent - the premier wood for steam bending
Scent
Mild, slightly unpleasant when steamed
Assessment
Strengths
- Excellent steam bending
- Uniform texture
- Turns well
- Takes finish beautifully
Weaknesses
- Requires treatment for outdoor use
- Can warp
- Moderate blunting effect
Common Uses
Chair making · Furniture · Flooring · Veneer · Turnery · Tool handles