In just one year, the primary wood processing industry can generate £1.48 billion worth of revenue for the British economy. Clearly, timber is an important part of the UK economy, but it's also a crucial part of our everyday lives. From our flooring to our home decor to the planks used to make boats, buildings, and more, wood is used for just about all our daily needs.
European beech wood is one of the most common and elegant species of timber out there. It's perfect for building all sorts of items that you're sure to gain much use from. Read on to learn more about this high-quality timber and why you should invest in it for your next home project!
About European Beech Wood
European beech timber has a huge amount of qualities that make it unique. Read on to learn about the way this timber looks, feels, and can be used in any major project!
Aesthetics
The colour of European beech wood stands out from other woods cultivated in Europe. It's a much lighter hue, generally coming in a pale cream colour. Sometimes it can have a slight pink tinge to it, which is especially visually stunning if you choose to make bowls or trinkets from the wood.
The veneer of the wood is somewhat darker than this, however. This is because slicing into the veneer of the timber must be fone with steam. The steam causes the wood to turn a more golden-brown colour than it otherwise would be.
Additionally, parts of beech timber tend to be very plain and solid- specifically, flatsawn surfaces. However, quartersawn surfaces are in contrast to this because they have an engaging pattern that incorporates silvery flecks.
When it comes to texture, there's nothing unusual about European beech wood. It has a straight grain and a uniform texture. Generally, its texture is classified as fine to medium.
Workability
Beech is a very workable material. It responds well to both hand and machine tools that are used in a variety of different ways.
Applying a finish to beech wood is also easy and effective. However, the main appeal in the workability of beech timber is how well it responds to steam bending. It's the perfect wood for creating curved surfaces quickly and easily.
Generally, European beech timber is a top choice for many woodworkers because it is hard and strong while still being workable. It also has a naturally low price that offsets the fact that it isn't very rot resistant.
Where Is It Cultivated?
Beech trees are native to Europe, specifically in Great Britain, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Germany. Denmark and Scania also cultivate the timber, but in lower quantities than the other regions where the trees grow.
There are also places in North America that grow beech wood, though it's slightly different than its European counterparts. In these regions, they often combine with sugar maple trees to become beech-maple hybrids!
European Beech Wood Uses
Now that you know the basics of European beech timber, it's time to discuss some of the ways that it can be used around your home. Read on for some ideas of projects that you could do with this fine timber!
Turned Wood Objects
We've briefly touched on the fact that European beech wood is ideal for steam-bending. This makes it the perfect material for woodturning, a process that bends wooden surfaces to make bowls, vases, and more. This is a very fun and exciting skill that you can learn at home with very few special materials!
Flooring
European beech timber is often used as a hardwood flooring material. Like floors made from European oak, beech wood flooring is hard wearing.
Make sure that you use this timber as flooring in a room that is exposed to little moisture. European beech is susceptible to rot and water damage. This means that you want to keep it away from areas in which these issues might arise.
Furniture and Cabinetry
African Iroko wood is perfect for sturdy cabinetry that holds a lot of material because it's unlikely to bend and break and the same applies to European beech wood. While it's malleable when you use steam techniques, it's a solid and sturdy wood that can be easily manipulated.
This lends well to building furniture and cabinets in all shapes and sizes, so get creative! To find out the cost of European beech timber for your project, you can get an instant quote by typing your requirements into our price calculator.
Musical Instruments
Guitars, violins, cellos, and other stringed instruments are often made with European beech wood. This is because the wood can be bent easily using the same steam-powered methods used for making bowls and vases. It is then glued together solidly, making an amazing instrument.
Beech timber is also used for pianos. It makes the piano pin blocks, the block of wood that all the keys are driven into. Clearly, beech wood is instrumental in making music... no pun intended.
Buy Beech Wood Today!
Now that you know about European beech timber and its many uses, it's time to get some for your next project. Click here to purchase some high-quality beech wood for sale at an affordable price. Not only does it cost only £42 to get started, but it also will be delivered directly to your doorstep! This means that you can focus your efforts on planning your project rather than lugging wood from the store home.
