Normally, there is no clear distinction by colour between sapwood and heartwood, the wood being very pale brown when freshly cut, turning reddish-brown on exposure. Steamed beech turns to a deep reddish-brown under the influence of a steaming treatment commonly applied in parts of the Continent before shipment. It is common practice to steam the Beech when it is in the green condition, which changes its colour permanently to pink or light red.
The wood is typically straight grained, with a fine, even texture, but
varying
in density and hardness according to the locality of growth. On the whole,
however it works fairly readily, and is capable of a good smooth surface.
Beech turns well, takes glue readily, and takes stains and polish satisfactorily.
It produces excellent veneer.