Beech

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DESCRIPTION	Beech wood is primarily reddish-brown in color and slightly coarse with conspicuous rays and tiny pores. The grain is straight with a fine, even texture. Weight is about 46lbs per cu. ft.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN	North America
BOTANICAL NAME	Fagus Grandifolia
OTHER NAMES	N/A
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES	High crush strength, medium stiffness and resistance to shock. Excellent bending characteristics.
WORKING PROPERTIES	Works easily with hand and power tools. Good nailing and gluing properties. Stains and polishes to a good finish.
DURABILITY	Susceptible to attack by common furniture beetle and longhorn beetle. Perishable, but permeable for preservative treatment.
SEASONING	Dries rapidly with strong tendency to warp, split and surface check. Subject to a large amount of shrinkage, checking and discoloration during drying. Moderate movement.
USES	Cabinetmaking, furniture, solid and laminated flooring, brush backs, veneers, wooden spoons, handrail parts.
COMMENTS	Beech wood is well suited for food containers as it does not impart any taste or odor.