All species / American Beech

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

Workbench tops, tool handles, chairs and flooring; hard, strong and wear-resistant.

The data

Stiffness (modulus of elasticity)1,720,000 psi

Specific gravity (12% MC)0.64

Janka hardness1,300 lbf

Average dried weight45.0 lb/ft³

Shrinkage, radial (green → dry)5.5%

Shrinkage, tangential11.9%

Shrinkage, volumetric17.2%

Movement classLively — plan real allowances

Stiffness & hardness: USDA Wood Handbook (Table 5-3 class data). Shrinkage: USDA Wood Handbook. Full sourcing notes are in our data documentation on the guides page — values print with their source so you can check us.

Shelf span guide — American Beech

Longest span that stays at or under the 0.02 in/ft long-term standard, floating ends, load spread evenly:

Shelf	15 lb/ft	25 lb/ft	35 lb/ft
3/4 in thick, 11 in deep	35 in	30 in	26 in
1 in thick, 11 in deep	47 in	40 in	35 in

Quick sag check — American Beech

Span (in)

Depth (in)

Thickness (in)

Total load (lb)

Full options — edging strips, fixed ends, centered loads — in the Shelf Sag Calculator.

Quick movement check — American Beech

Width across grain (in)

Cut

From MC (%)

To MC (%)

Full options in the Wood Movement Calculator.