Beech is a hardwood tree found primarily in the eastern half of the United States and in southeastern Canada. The sapwood is a whitish texture, while the heartwood is usually white with a reddish to brownish tinge. The tree can grow to heights of 110 feet and has a dense, spreading, oval crown. Beech lumber and veneer are used in applications where a very light, white look is desired. Average weight is 45 pounds per cubic foot with a specific gravity of 0.72.

Common uses include cabinetry, high-class joinery, laminated furniture, chairs, desks, domestic flooring, sliced veneer, utility plywood, and an excellent wood for steam bending for use in bentwood furniture.

It is also used in musical instruments, toys, sports equipment, shoe heels, tool handles, and wooden ware. Beech has a close grain and good structure that makes it suitable for turnery, whittling, and carving. It has been a popular wood for centuries in the making of treen. Treen is a kitchen utensil or other item such as snuff boxes, bowls, platters, cups, ladles, chopping blocks, clothes pegs, mortar and pestle, all carved from wood. Treen is now a highly sought-after collectible.

Beech is sometimes rough on cutting tools. It glues easily, finishes very well, and ranks high in holding nails, but it should be pre-bored. The wood wears well and holds a polish, and it bends readily when steamed. Care is needed in gluing, but the wood finishes well with paint or transparent finishes.