American Beech Wood Countertops, Bar Tops, and Butcher Block Countertops

American beech wood trees, native to the eastern United States and Canada, have been part of life in the Americas since colonists first arrived.

When a beech was spotted, the sturdy tree with a dense canopy was considered a sign of fertile soil. Settlers would remove the tree and begin farming in the tree’s place.

Typically pale cream in color, beech wood can sometimes have a slightly pink or brown hue. Quartersawn surfaces often have a sliver-fleck pattern. The wood exhibits straight grain with fine to uniform texture and moderate natural luster.

American beech wood is highly workable and responds well to machining and steam-bending. It is commonly used for lumber, veneer, flooring, musical instruments, furniture, and other small objects. American beech is also an excellent choice for food containers and woodenware because the wood is odorless and tasteless.

American-Beech-Edge-Grain-Wood-Countertop

American Beech Is Straight Grained and Has a Fine, Even Texture

Description: American beech is straight-grained and has a fine, even texture. It has medullary rays that are clearly defined. The rays are ribbons or radial sheets that extend through the growth rings vertically through the tree. The American beech’s small pores, large medullary rays, strength, and weight make it similar to oak and chestnut. It has high stiffness and resistance to bending, with the exception of steam bending. American beech works very well with hand and machine tools. American beech wood countertops can be brought to a fantastic finish, making a perfect addition to any kitchen. It is only available in edge and end grain. Due to inconsistent supply, Grothouse Lumber does not offer American beech in flat grain.

Alternate Trade Names: Beech, Fagus Grandifolia
Origin: Eastern United States Canada
Color: Light tan to light brown

Grain: Straight
Janka Hardness: 1300
American Beech Grows to Be About 150 Feet (45 Meters) High

American Beech Facts:

American beech grows to about 150 feet (45 meters) high. The trunk grows to about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in diameter. Before the creation of the modern chainsaw, beech trees were often left to grow and not cut down during lumbering because its wood was so heavy, tough, and strong. The crop of nuts from American beech provides many animals — such as wild turkeys, raccoons, whitetail deer, squirrels, black bears, and opossums — with food. American beech wood is typically used for lumber, veneer, flooring, crates or pallets, railroad ties, musical instruments, furniture, turned objects, and other small wooden objects.