Assumed, Wood Working Properties & Specifications

 

 

Fagus grandifolia

Fagaceae

American Beech

Beech (Fagus spp.) contains eight species which grow in Asia [4], Europe (F. sylvatica), and North America (F. grandifolia). The word fagus is the classical Latin name, from the Greek word meaning to eat, in reference to the edible beechnuts. All species look alike microscopically.

Other Common Names: beech, Carolina beech, gray beech, red beech, ridge beech, stone beech, white beech, winter beech.

Distribution: American beech grows in southeast Canada and in the eastern half of the United States, from Maine to northern Florida, and west from the Atlantic Coast to Wisconsin, Missouri and Texas.

The Tree: The American beech tree grows in large pure stands and intermixed with sugar maple, yellow birch, American basswood, black cherry, eastern hemlock, eastern white pine, red spruce, sweetgum, Southern magnolia, ashes, hickories and oaks. It grows best in deep, rich, moist, well-drained soils. American beech trees reach heights of 120 ft (37 m), with a diameter of almost 4 ft (1.2 m). The bark is thin, smooth, and gray to blue gray.

General Wood Characteristics: The sapwood of American beech is white with a red tinge, while the heartwood is light to dark reddish brown.

Working Properties: American beech ranks high in holding nails, but it should be pre-bored. The wood wears well and holds a polish, and it bends readily when steamed. Care is needed in gluing, but the wood finishes well with paint or transparent finishes.

Durability: Rated as slightly or nonresistant to heartwood decay.

Preservation: Sapwood and heartwood are permeable when pressure-treated with a compound like creosote. The red heartwood is extremely resistant to penetration.
Uses: Lumber, veneer, charcoal, railroad ties, pulpwood, cooperage, boxes, crates, baskets, pallets, furniture, flooring, sash, doors, trim, paneling, general millwork, woodenware, novelties, handles, brooms and brushes, food containers, turnery, and chemical extracts such as methanol, acetate and wood tar (creosote).

Toxicity: No information available at this time.

 

 

 

 

 

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