American Beech
Fagus grandifolia
Genus: Fagus · Family: Fagaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
45 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,300 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
Light Brown
Stability
Low
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •American Beech is harder than 53% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is the only native beech in North America and one of the premier steam-bending woods. With a Janka hardness of 1,300 lbf, fine uniform texture, and excellent wear resistance, it's the industry standard for tool handles, workbenches, and butcher-block countertops.
In Plain English
American Beech is the unsung hero of the woodshop — it's the wood behind most tool handles, workbenches, and butcher blocks. It's hard, wears evenly, and bends beautifully with steam. Not flashy, but incredibly dependable and affordable.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
The standard for tool handles, workbenches, butcher blocks, bent laminations, flooring, and food-contact surfaces.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Very poor decay resistance — not suitable for outdoor use. High shrinkage and poor stability. Prone to checking during drying.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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You Might Also Consider
Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar light brown color that are easily confused with American Beech. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Softer (Janka 830 lbf)
- • Lighter (35 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Softer (Janka 850 lbf)
- • Lighter (34 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Harder (Janka 2,335 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Softer (Janka 490 lbf)
- • Lighter (27 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse