Weight: 43

Grain: Straight except when knots occur, then the grain will bend and wave before straightening out again.

Figure: The sapwood is a cream white color, the heartwood is a light reddish brown. Pith Rays appear on the wood as tiny markings giving Beech the appearance of scale Oak. Quarter-sawn, Beech has a delicate, flaky appearance.

Texture: Fine and silky with a close even texture.

Properties: The wood can take extreme bending and will hold its shape. Beech has a very smooth and hard surface, making it suitable for polished finishes. Cuts, sands and machines well. One of the best woods in its ability to hold screws and nails. A strong, hard and dense wood which turns well on a lathe. Workable with hand tools and cuts clean with a knife blade or butting burs.

Uses: A very good wood for planking and ben hull timbers such as wales and deck clamps. Makes an attractive wood for framing and hull timbering and is also used for treenails.