Every Reason to Love Beech Veneer
Getting ready to start your next woodworking project with oak? Not so fast – you might want to consider beech veneer.
Here are some of the reasons why.
Love Oak? You’ll Love Beech Veneer
Believe it or not, oak and beech are very close relatives. So much so, that many cuts of beech are nearly indistinguishable from oak, especially for laymen.
Like oak, beech has those beautiful medullary rays that give the wood a unique sheen and, when the wood is flat cut, manifest as pleasant nut-brown streaks.
But the similarities between oak and beech veneer are not simply aesthetic. In addition, beech veneer carries the following virtues.
It’s Affordable
While the cost of oak and beech are fairly similar, beech is often more affordable, and on top of that, it is more affordable than the majority of exotic species. It is found in abundance in America and is readily available here.
It’s Easy to Care for
Beech veneer is not a particularly finicky wood. If it is properly seasoned and finished, it doesn’t need a lot of care. A periodic oiling (if it’s not finished with a top coat) and protection against high humidity and prolonged, direct sunlight exposure is usually all you need.
It Responds Well to Finishes
Beech, like oak, responds well to a wide range of finishes, including but not limited to penetrating oils, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane. In addition, since it is such a light wood, it is easy to stain, using either light and dark stains.
It’s Flexible
There are other more flexible species, but beech veneer is relatively forgiving and can accommodate bends and curves without breaking, as long as they are not too dramatic.
It’s Tough
Being a close relative of oak, beech is incredibly tough. It is relatively non-porous, very strong, and very dense. This makes it wear resistant, too, making it perfect for furniture.
It’s Naturally Beautiful
Like oak, beech has a natural luster. In the case of beech, it has a warm white color; steamed beech is even warmer, nearly pink in hue. Whether you leave it natural or stain it, it has a very pleasant character.
It’s Fairly Easy to Work with
Some woods are not so easy to work with, but beech responds well to sanding, as well as working with hand tools..
Minimal Odor
Not a huge concern with veneer, but most woodworkers remark that beech doesn’t really have a noticeable odor.
It’s Environmentally Sustainable
Beech veneer is much more sustainable than solid hardwood. One single log of beech can produce a great quantity of veneer, making it less stressful on native stocks.
Ready to Shop Beech Veneer for Your Project?
Thinking about trying beech veneer for your next project?
Get it online at Oakwood Veneer.
Oakwood carries a wide variety of cuts (and many exotic species) and has partnered with the National Forest Foundation to establish their Plant It Forward program, through which they plant one tree in the United States for each order placed.
That makes your purchase of beech veneer even more environmentally friendly. Learn more today OakwoodVeneer.com.
For More Information about Walnut Burl and Hickory Veneer Please Visit: Oakwood Veneer Company.