Uses: Lumber, veneer, flooring, boatbuilding, furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (piano pinblocks), plywood, and turned objects.
European Beech
Scientific name: Fagus sylvatica
Description: European Beech is pale straw color, sometimes with a pink or brown hue. Veneer tends to be slightly darker coloured, as slicing the veneer usually requires the wood to be prepared with steam, which gives the wood a more golden tone. Flatsawn surfaces tend to be somewhat plain, while quartersawn surfaces exhibit a minute ray fleck pattern. Grain is straight; fine to medium uniform texture and moderate natural lustre.
Properties: Overall good workability; it machines well, and glues, finishes, and turns well. Beech also responds superbly to steam-bending. However, it does have a large amount of movement in service, so movement and wood stability must be considered.