European Prime Beech
Botanical Name
Overview
FAS, FAS/FAS IF, No. 1 Common, No.2 Common, Rustic
Heavy structural use, joinery – exterior, joinery – interior, furniture, flooring, railway sleepers, doors, stairs
Certification
FSC
FSC CW
Origin
North America
Density
770 kg/m3
Physical Structure
Properties It compares fairly closely with European oak in general strength, but on the whole, its higher density provides rather higher strength. A hard heavy wood with medium bending and crushig strength
Durability
Heartwood is resistant to decay and extremely resistant to preservative treatment. Sapwood moderately resistant
Drying
Like all the true oaks the timber dries slowly, with a tendency to split, check and honeycomb
Moisture Content
6% – 8% (+/-2%)
Working Qualities
White Oak machines well, nails and screws well although pre-boring is advised. It reacts with iron, galvanised or copper nails are recommended. Adhesive properties are variable with good staining and polishing. Due to high shrinkage can be susceptible to movement in performance under variable moisture conditions
Storage Advice
Under cover
Purchasing Cycle
12 month
