Hardwood Floors February/March 2019

HARDNESS (JANKA): 1450 DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: BELOW AVERAGE Beech has a dimensional stability factor of 5.5 percent (radial) and 11.9 percent (tangential), meaning this species may shrink/ swell up to 11.9 percent of its given width, depending on how it’s cut, when going from green (30 percent MC) to oven dried. DIMENSIONAL CHANGE COEFFICIENT: .00190 (radial), .00431 (tangential) SPECIFIC GRAVITY: .64

NAILING: Tongues have a tendency to split when using staples or when the PSI is too high from the compressor. It normally is recommended to use 18-gauge fasteners when nailing beech. Beech tends to shrink/swell extensively when in service, which should be accounted for during installation and its service life. Beech bends well. SANDING: Beech sands satisfactorily when following the proper sanding sequence but may be difficult to stain. Sources : The Wood Database; Copyright © 2008-2016, Eric Meier | Wood Handbook (Wood as an Engineering Material), USDA Forest Products Laboratory | A Guide to the Useful Woods of the World; Copyright © 2001, James H. Flynn Jr. and Charles D. Holder | Missouri Dept. of Conservation | Just Fun Facts

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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