Beech

Beech (Fagus sylvatica) accounts for 15 % of Germany’s deciduous forests. With impressive growth heights of up to 40 meters, it is one of the deciduous periderm trees. The gray, smooth bark shows little bark formation with age. Characteristic are the thin, bent branches with brown bark. Spindle-shaped buds 1-3 cm long, often spreading and silvery-haired, characterize the beech. Foliage leaves are alternate or helical on upright branches, more or less two-lined on protruding branches. The glossy green leaf blade has entire margins, slightly toothed or wavy margins. Stipules are narrow and limp. Beech wood in the upper strength classes currently generates the highest added value, primarily due to the red heartwood, which is produced under individual conditions. An increasing demand for beech red heartwood, particularly in the furniture and parquet sector through targeted marketing, is reflected in current market trends.

Beech is also a striking wood with a wide range of properties. The sapwood area, with a grayish-pink to yellowish color, extends over the entire cross-section of the trunk. From around 80 years of age, an optional red core develops, which is characterized by a vivid reddish-brown color. This red heartwood adds a decorative touch to the wood of older trees. The wood structure shows growth zones due to latewood with fewer vessels, recognizable by fine flakes on tangential surfaces. Wooden beams in different sizes create characteristic spindles, visible as mirrors on radial surfaces. Machinability is easy despite its high hardness, with the exception of coarse-grained qualities. Beech wood is suitable for furniture, doors, stairs, floors and rotary cut veneers. The unique coloring of the red core makes it ideal for decorative interior design. The natural durability is classified as poor, so outdoor use requires special protection methods or innovative wood modification techniques such as thermo beech.

Sources: Wikipedia, Holz vom Fach(GD Holz)