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European beech

Fagus sylvatica
Fagaceae Carpathian beech, Common beech, Danish beech, English beech, European beech, Fayard, French beech, Japanese beech, Rod bok, Romanian beech, Hardwood Western Europe · Southern Europe · Eastern Europe · Northern Europe · Eastern A… 50 data values

European beech — species record from The Wood Explorer historical and technical reference collection.

European beech wood
European beech
Historical Source Data Original source values are preserved 5 linked images 45 source references 16 linked countries

At a glance

Scientific nameFagus sylvatica
Trade / common nameEuropean beech
FamilyFagaceae Carpathian beech, Common beech, Danish beech, English beech, European beech, Fayard, French beech, Japanese beech, Rod bok, Romanian beech,
RegionWestern Europe · Southern Europe · Eastern Europe · Northern Europe · Eastern Asia · Europe
Distribution
Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden. Does well on chalky limestone hills, but also on most fertile light soils with good drainage.
Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building: framing, Bobbins, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Chairs, Cooperages, Core Stock, Decorative veneer, Desks, Domestic flooring, Flooring, Flooring: commercial heavy traffic, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Food containers, Furniture , Furniture, Handles: general, Handles: woodworking tools, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Mine timbers, Musical instruments , Musical instruments, Musical instruments: piano, Paneling, Piling, Plywood, Railroad ties, Shade rollers, Sporting Goods, Textile equipment, Tool handles, Toys, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Workbenches

Countries & Distribution

These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.

Wood images

Linked historical images associated with this species record.

Projects & Inspiration

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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.

Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects

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Appearance

Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Brown
White
Pink
White to cream
Reddish brown
Pale brown
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Pale red to pink
Historical Source Data
Sapwood Color
Color not distinct from heartwood
Historical Source Data
Luster
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
High
Slightly lustrous
Lustrous
Historical Source Data

Uses & Applications

Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building: framing, Bobbins, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Chairs, Cooperages, Core Stock, Decorative veneer, Desks, Domestic flooring, Flooring, Flooring: commercial heavy traffic, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Food containers, Furniture , Furniture, Handles: general, Handles: woodworking tools, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Mine timbers, Musical instruments , Musical instruments, Musical instruments: piano, Paneling, Piling, Plywood, Railroad ties, Shade rollers, Sporting Goods, Textile equipment, Tool handles, Toys, Turnery, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Workbenches
Historical Source Data
Product Sources
The timber is consumed more than any other hardwood in the United Kingdom. It is considered to be among the best known and most useful commercial timbers in the world, and is always in demand. European beech is available in long lengths, wide boards, and in the form of veneers, and is in the same price class as the lower cost hardwoods.
Historical Source Data

Full Technical Species Profile

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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.

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