Is Beech a Hardwood? Is it a Good Wood for Furniture?

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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

American 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:

Pros and Cons of Beech Wood

Pros

Cons

Uses of Beech Wood

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.

holding a beech wood

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

characteristics of maple wood

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 dresser

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

strength of birch wood

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.

Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
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.
Robert Johnson

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