Beech is a natural wood that commonly grows in the Northeast of the US and Canada. Beech wood is also referred to as red beech, white beech, stone beech and winter beech. It is a cream-colored hardwood and is commonly found in sporting equipment due to its durability and has grown popular in kitchen projects recently. Its popularity is due to the fact that it is far more affordable than oak but has similar fine grain patterns and it stains well.
Beech is, as stated before, a hard wood and is heavy, strong, stiff and shock resistant. When manufactured it can be machined well but is very difficult to bend by hand. During manufacturing, it is known to split, so it is recommended to pre-drill holes before screwing to prevent this.
Because a beech worktop, as with most woods, carries a natural bacterial defense, it is great for areas that are prone to bacteria such as kitchens, chairs, food storage containers and worktops. It does not impart any odor or taste to food so it is harmless in kitchens where food preparation is the primary function. This can actually be one of the more sanitary surfaces for a kitchen.
This wood is medium to heavyweight and is a very tough material. It has good strength properties and high abrasion resistance. Beech is known to shrink considerably and known to move more than other woods so this must be taken into account. As with all other woods used in construction, prevent beech from moisture during and after installation. Even though it is a hardwood, beech can be worked easily. Used in construction it can be drilled (if pilot holes are made prior to drilling), planed, and cut. This quality, combined with its affordability, makes it great for manufacturers to design beech wood worktops.
Beech wood is a non-resistant surface and is not known for durability in moist atmospheres. If a beech countertop is installed properly with finger-jointer construction and miter-bolted seams it can increase the durability of this material. Quality beech wood kitchen tops will be treated by the manufacturer with real wood oxidizing and hardening worktop oils. This ensures full oil saturation for maximum protection and a smooth finished surface.
These countertops are easy to clean and it is not suggested to cut directly on the surface, as the wood can be damaged. If a beech countertop is damaged, it can be repaired unlike some other kitchen worktop materials. You can sand beech wood and re-stain it, which is far more affordable than complete countertop replacement, and takes far less time than a complete installation. Wood kitchen worktops are also susceptible to heat damage so it is suggested not to place hot pans or other objects directly on the countertop. Be sure to keep countertop well oiedl 2 to 3 times a year as directed by the manufacturer to prevent it from warping.
If you are in the market for new kitchen worktops and are not sure what natural material is right for you, beech may be your best pick. It is a great looking wood, similar to oak, but it is much lighter on your budget while maintaining a traditional kitchen look that compliments almost any design.