Oak vs. Beech Wood: Key Differences and Best Uses

Oak is well known for its robust and long-lasting nature. Because of its richer and pure grain pattern, it has even gained popularity as a source for flooring and furniture in historic revivals, also its resistance to moisture and decay, the wood may be used indoors and outdoors.

Beech has an effective workability and beautiful, uniform texture, and has traditionally been more readily priced and used for furniture manufacturing, cabinetry, and curves.

Your selection will be more accurate if you are aware of the distinctions between oak and beech in terms of look, durability, workability, pricing, and applications. To help you select the right wood for your needs, we will go into great detail about these variables in this article. 

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Appearance & Grain Pattern

Oak: Rich and Textured

Of all the woods, oak wood is renowned for its color and grain patterns. Light tan to deep reddish brown are the colors of the many oak species. In search of a classic or rustic atmosphere, individuals like the woods for their indoor projects since they are thicker and have more distinct textural patterns.

For example, red oak frequently has a light tan to pinkish shade with reddish tones, but white oak typically has a pale yellowish-brown hue or light tan with a pink tinge.

Beech: Smooth & Consistent

Conversely, beech wood is more subtle and constant. It has an even straight grain and a fine texture. It has a mellow cream color with maybe some pink or brown undertones. When this evenness is required in modern or minimalist lines, beech’s more understated look makes it a suitable choice.

Durability and Hardness

Oak:

With very slight differences, the hardness of these two woods is roughly similar. White oak has a Janka rating of 1,350 lbf, which means that it is somewhat stronger than beech. Red oak has a hardness of around 1,220 lbf, which makes it somewhat softer. White oak is the best wood for places where moisture can be a problem because of its remarkable resistance to decay.

Beech:

Beech, which is significantly less resistant to spoiling, will be more easily stricken by insects and are, therefore more suited for interior use.

Workability & Ease of Use

Oak: Durable but Requires Pre-Drilling

Oak is also feasible, but it can be difficult at times. For instance, white oak accepts screws and nails nicely, however, pre-drilling is advised to avoid splitting. It has different gluing qualities, yet it stains and shines well. In addition to having varying gluing qualities, red oak can be somewhat blunt cutters. It stains and polishes readily to a nice finish, although pre-drilling may be required for nailing. Red oak is thought to be very good for steam bending.

Beech: Highly Workable

Beechwood is commended for being very workable. It finishes smoothly, glues and nails well, and is machined well with hand and power tools. It is perfect for steam bending applications like chair legs and backs because of its exceptional bending qualities.

Uses and Applications

Oak: 

Because of its toughness and resilience to dust, white oak makes an excellent wood floor for places with heavy use. Although it is more expensive, beech is also a fantastic choice since it is a more dependable blend of all the qualities.

White oak is a wonderful choice for cabinets since it is sturdy and water resistant, but it can smell and transfer flavors to food if it is not well sealed. Although beech is quite soft on knife edges and doesn’t taste or smell like food, it will distort when the humidity changes if it isn’t properly protected.

Beech:

While beech is less visually striking and frequently used for secondary wood in furniture, like chair legs or the back and ends of drawers, oak is frequently used for visible pieces that require durability and attractive grain tables and cabinets.

Cost and Availability

Both of these trees are readily available in wood and are not listed in the books of threatened species. On the cost, beech sells at about $6.29 per board foot, while its near counterpart, red oak, costs $5.49 per board foot. White oak is costlier at $9.99 per board foot.

Conclusion

Oak and beech wood differ from one another based on the project requirements and the client’s needs. Where the wood grain becomes visible and durable for furniture or flooring, oak suits superbly. If the appearance is to be uniform and the wood is easy to work with, especially in interiors, then beech wood is perfect. Weighing other things, one must also consider the environmental conditions and their purpose in addition to costs before making an informed choice.