When it comes to choosing the right type of wood for your furniture, it’s essential to consider its hardness, durability, and overall characteristics.
One type of wood that is often considered for furniture making is beech wood. But, is beech a hardwood that is suitable for your project? I’ll discuss that here.
Hardness Rating of Beech Wood
Beech wood is considered a hardwood that is known for its high density and hardness. Its hardness and density values make it a durable and strong option for furniture making.
In fact, beech wood has a Janka hardness rating of 1300 lbf, which is comparable to other popular hardwoods like oak and maple. To give you an overview of the different hardness ratings of various wood types relative to beech, here is a table list:
Wood Type | Janka Hardness Rating (lbf) |
Beech | 1300 Ibf |
Oak | 1360 Ibf |
Maple | 1450 Ibf |
Walnut | 1010 Ibf |
Birch | 1260 Ibf |
Silver Maple | 700 Ibf |
Redwood | 420 Ibf |
Hemlock | 540 Ibf |
Black Walnut, North American Walnut | 1010 Ibf |
Hickory, Satinwood, Pecan | 1820 Ibf |
As you can see, beech wood has a slightly lower hardness rating than oak and maple, but it’s still a strong and durable option for furniture making.
Characteristics of Beech Wood
Aside from its hardness, beech wood is known for its unique characteristics that make it a popular choice for furniture makers. Here are some of the top characteristics of beech wood:
- Color: Typically, pale cream color with a pink or brown hue. Its color can darken over time with exposure to sunlight.
- Density: A relatively dense wood, which makes it a good option for furniture that needs to be sturdy and strong.
- Hardness: Has a Janka hardness rating of 1300 lbf, which means it's a durable and strong wood option.
- Stiffness: Known for its stiffness, which means it can withstand heavy weight and pressure without bending or breaking.
- Wood Type: A deciduous hardwood that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Applications: Commonly used for furniture making, flooring, cabinetry, and even musical instruments.
Pros and Cons of Beech Wood
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Easy to work with
- Has a beautiful, uniform grain pattern
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be prone to warping and splitting if not properly dried
- May be difficult to stain due to its dense nature
- May require additional sanding and preparation before finishing
Uses of Beech Wood
- Furniture: A popular choice for furniture makers, as it is versatile and attractive. It is commonly used for chairs, tables, and cabinets.
- Flooring: A durable and attractive choice for flooring, as it can withstand heavy foot traffic and has a smooth, even surface.
- Cabinetry: Often used in cabinetry, as it takes stains and finishes well and has a consistent grain pattern.
- Musical instruments: A popular choice for making musical instruments, such as drums, due to its resonance and ability to be steam-bent.
- Kitchen utensils: Often used to make kitchen utensils, such as spoons and cutting boards, as it is non-toxic and easy to work with.
How Strong Is Beech Wood?
Beech wood is a strong and durable hardwood. With a Janka hardness rating of 1300 lbf, it is ideal for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.
Its high density and stiffness also make it resistant to wear and tear, and comparable to other popular hardwoods like oak and maple in terms of strength. Beech wood is a great option for sturdy and strong furniture that can withstand heavy weight and pressure.
Hardness Rating of Beech vs Oak Wood Species
Beech is slightly softer than oak, which has a Janka hardness rating of 1360 lbf. This means that oak is slightly more resistant to wear and tear and may be a better choice for high-traffic areas.
In terms of appearance, beech and oak have distinct differences. Beech wood has a pale cream color and a consistent grain pattern, while oak has a more varied color and a distinctive grain pattern. Both types of wood can be stained and finished to achieve your desired look.
Let me show you the table comparing the hardness ratings of beech and oak:
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (lbf) |
Beech | 1300 Ibf |
European Beech | 1300 Ibf |
Oak (red) | 1290 Ibf |
Oak | 1360 Ibf |
Overall, both beech and oak are strong and durable hardwoods that are suitable for a variety of applications. When deciding between the two, it is important to consider factors such as appearance, hardness, and intended use.
Hardness Rating of Beech vs Maple Wood Species
With a Janka hardness rating of 1450 lbf, Maple is slightly more durable than Beech. This indicates that Maple can better withstand wear and tear, making it a preferable option for areas with heavy foot traffic and frequent use.
In terms of appearance, both beech and maple have a pale, light-colored appearance. Beech has a consistent grain pattern, while maple has a more pronounced and distinctive grain pattern.
Here is a table comparing the Janka hardness values of different Beech and Maple wood species:
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (lbf) |
Beech | 1300 Ibf |
American Beech | 1300 Ibf |
Hard Maple | 1450 Ibf |
Soft Maple | 950 Ibf |
Silver Maple | 700 Ibf |
Hardness Rating of Beech Wood vs Walnut Species
Walnut has a Janka hardness rating of 1010 lbf, making it softer than beech. This means that walnut may be more susceptible to wear and damage, especially in high-traffic areas.
In terms of appearance, both beech and walnut have distinctive grain patterns and rich, warm tones. Beech has a pale, uniform color with a subtle grain pattern, while walnut has a darker, richer color with a more prominent grain pattern.
Here is a table comparing the hardness ratings of beech and walnut woods:
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (lbf) |
Beech | 1300 Ibf |
American Beech | 1300 Ibf |
Walnut | 1010 Ibf |
While both beech and walnut have their own unique characteristics and strengths, the difference in hardness may be an important consideration for certain applications
Hardness Rating of Beech Wood vs Birch Species
Birch has a Janka hardness rating of 1260 lbf, making it slightly softer than beech. This means that while birch is still a relatively hard and durable wood, it may be slightly more susceptible to wear and damage than beech.
In terms of appearance, both beech and birch have a light, uniform color with a subtle grain pattern. Beech has a slightly warmer tone than birch, which has a cooler, more neutral color [1]. However, both woods can be stained to achieve a variety of different finishes.
Shown below is a table list of beech and birch wood species’ corresponding Janka hardness ratings:
Wood Species | Janka Hardness Rating (lbf) |
Beech | 1300 Ibf |
American Beech | 1300 Ibf |
Yellow birch | 1260 Ibf |
White Birch | 1260 Ibf |
While both beech and birch are strong and durable hardwoods, the difference in hardness may be an important consideration. From experience, I can tell you that beech is a better choice for high-traffic areas such as flooring or tabletops, while birch is great for decorative or accent pieces.
Conclusion
Beech is a hardwood and a great option for those looking for a reliable and sturdy material for their woodworking needs. It is a durable and versatile hardwood that is excellent for furniture, flooring, and woodworking projects.
While slightly softer than other popular hardwoods, it still provides strength, durability, and beauty for most projects.
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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