THE SUPERIORITY OF BEECH

                                                                                     MECHANICAL VALUES  *

Wood Species               Dry Weight LBS/Cu.Ft.                         Hardness LBS.                            Bending Strength P.S.I.

                                                              

European Beech                       43                                                 1,440                                            16,245

Red Alder                                   28                                                    590                                              9,800

Red Oak                                     43                                                  1.290                                            14,050

Rubberwood (Parawood)       41                                                  1,190                                            13,142

 

*Source: Wood Handbook Forest Products Laboratory

Beech is stronger and harder than most wood species used in furniture manufacturing.  Hard maple is the only other wood with comparable qualities.

Beech is used in a majority of commercial seating applications that require long term durability.  Other products made of beech include high quality tool handles.