BOTANICAL NAME: Fagus sylvatica

TREE DESCRIPTION: European Beech is a medium sized hardwood of importance. It is found growing throughout Europe and Britain. The tree grows to a height of around 30m and a diameter of 1.2m (4ft) or larger.

COLOUR: The heartwood is usually pale brown but can change during the kiln drying process to a darker reddishbrown. The sapwood is also cream to pale brown and not always distinguishable from the heartwood.

GRAIN AND TEXTURE: The grain is normally straight. The quarter cut surface reveals dark flecks against a lighter background producing the characteristic 1 silver grain’ due to the rays present in the wood. The texture is fine and even.