Massivholz

Beech

Beechwood is a fine-grained, versatile hardwood with a high strength. It has an attractive smooth surface and even texture and is ideal for furniture, interior design and everyday objects. The colour palette ranges from light yellow to reddish brown and creates a bright, friendly room effect.

What does beech wood look like?

Beech wood is known for its fine, even grain with a smooth, calm surface. Its natural color ranges from light beige to a warm, reddish-brown tone. It is characterized by a uniform structure without noticeable knots.

As a natural material, beech wood may vary in appearance. Especially with solid wood, individual pieces of furniture can show slight differences in color and grain.

In contrast to core beech, standard beech wood is selected from younger trees with a calmer and lighter grain. This results in a more uniform and tranquil appearance overall.

How is beech wood treated?

Beech wood is commonly oiled, waxed, or lacquered. A transparent furniture oil is particularly popular, as it enhances the natural color while allowing the surface to remain breathable.

A lacquer forms a protective seal on the wood surface, while an oiled finish keeps the pores open – allowing the wood to absorb and release moisture. Although oiled beech is slightly more susceptible to signs of use than lacquered surfaces, it is easy to clean and can be re-oiled as needed. Scratches and stains are also easier to remove over time. In addition, furniture oil is usually the more eco-friendly option, thanks to its natural ingredients.

Table and chairs made of beech wood — Table collection made of beech wood by ekomia

Surface detail of beech wood — Fine grain of beech wood by ekomia

Environmental impact of beech wood

Beech wood is a local, renewable resource and is one of the most sustainably usable hardwoods in Europe. Thanks to its wide availability and short transportation routes in Central Europe, it is particularly attractive from an ecological perspective.

1. Sustainable sourcing

Beech is the most common deciduous tree species in German forests. Its sustainable use is ensured by certifications such as FSC and PEFC, which guarantee controlled harvesting and the preservation of forest stock.

2. Processing and energy consumption

Processing beech wood is relatively energy-efficient. Thermal treatment (steaming) does require additional energy but improves dimensional stability. Compared to other materials, the overall energy demand remains low.

Thanks to its regional availability, the CO₂ footprint of beech wood can be kept low. Sourcing from local forestry minimizes transport emissions.

Ripe beechnuts

3. Durability

Beech wood is hard and abrasion-resistant, though less weather-resistant than oak. Indoors, it stands out for its stability and strength – ideal for furniture, flooring, and stairs.

4. Reusability

Most beech is incinerated in biomass power plants via the recycling system and as bulky waste. Although the incineration is CO₂-neutral – the beech tree has previously removed the CO₂ from the atmosphere – the good repairability of the material is more interesting from an ecological point of view. In the furniture sector, in particular, oak can be easily glued, sanded or re-oiled when damaged or worn, and then looks like new again.

5. Biodegradability

Beech wood is a fully biodegradable natural material. Under natural conditions, it decomposes without residue and becomes part of the nutrient cycle again.

Technical properties of beech wood

Property	Value
Wood type	Hardwood
Density (bulk density)	0.68 – 0.75 g/cm³
Compressive strength	50 – 60 N/mm²
Bending strength	100 – 120 N/mm²
Brinell hardness	34 – 38 N/mm²
Modulus of elasticity	13,000 – 14,000 N/mm²
Durability	Very durable indoors
Weather resistance	Low – suitable for indoor use only
Color	Light to reddish brown
Workability	Very good, easy to sand and glue
Applications	Furniture, interior fittings, toys, kitchen utensils

Beech wood at ekomia

Due to its excellent properties, fine appearance, and sustainability, we use beech wood in selected collections – especially for tables.

We exclusively use European beech from sustainably managed forests with FSC or PEFC certification.

For surface treatment, we rely on vegan, ecological furniture oils – keeping the wood breathable and easy to maintain.

Detail view of a beech wood table — Detail view of Form S extendable table in beech by ekomia

Questions & answers for Beech

Here we answer some questions about Beech that are frequently asked by other users.

Beech is native to large parts of Europe and grows particularly well in temperate climates. In Germany, it is one of the most common deciduous tree species and a central component of sustainable forestry. The red beech prefers nutrient-rich, moist locations at hilly and medium altitudes. Due to its wide availability and short transport distances, beechwood is considered particularly ecological and regional.

In furniture making, the native red beech (Fagus sylvatica) is mainly used. It is widespread in Europe and impresses with its even structure, high strength and good workability. A special variant is steamed beech – a special heating process gives the wood a redder hue and makes it more dimensionally stable. In addition, there is heartwood beech, which deliberately uses the colourfully varied heartwood. This provides a more vibrant, rustic appearance. All beech wood varieties are known for their sustainability and versatility.

Beechwood is a moderately priced hardwood and offers very good value for money. Compared to oak or walnut, beech is usually significantly cheaper without sacrificing quality. The price depends on factors such as origin, processing (e.g. steamed or as beech heartwood) and sorting. Especially in furniture making, beech is a popular choice for durable and stable products at a fair price – regionally available and sustainable.

Beech wood has a light, warm radiance with a slightly reddish undertone – especially when it is steamed. To show it off to its best advantage, neutral and muted wall colours are particularly suitable. White, cream, light grey or sand tones emphasise the natural lightness of the wood. If you like contrasts, you can choose cool colours such as sage green, petrol or dark blue – they bring out the warmth of the beech particularly well.