Beech Logs for Sale
Buy and sell American Beech logs in Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest. A versatile and often undervalued hardwood for railroad ties, pallets, flooring, and food-safe applications.
About American Beech
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a common hardwood found throughout eastern US forests. Despite being one of the most abundant hardwoods, beech is often undervalued relative to its excellent mechanical properties.
- Scientific name: Fagus grandifolia
- Janka hardness: 1,300 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light brown, with distinctive smooth gray bark
- Distribution: Common throughout eastern US forests but often undervalued
- Workability: Excellent steam-bending properties
- Food safety: Food-safe, used in butcher blocks and cutting boards
- Market outlook: Growing market as other hardwoods become scarcer
Railroad Ties
Durable crossties
Pallets & Crating
Strong, affordable
Flooring
European-style floors
Food Industry
Butcher blocks, utensils
Beech Grading & Pricing
Beech prices are rising as European demand for beech flooring and furniture grows:
| Type/Grade | Min. Diameter | Typical Use | Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beech - Veneer | 16"+ | Figured veneer | $300-700/MBF |
| Beech - Prime | 14"+ | Flooring, furniture | $200-400/MBF |
| Beech - #1 | 12"+ | Ties, general lumber | $150-300/MBF |
| Beech - Pallet | 10"+ | Pallets, crating | $80-180/MBF |
Frequently Asked Questions About Beech Logs
What are Beech logs worth?
American Beech log prices are among the lowest for commercial hardwoods. Sawlogs typically bring $100–$250 per MBF (Doyle scale), with prime grade at the higher end. Tie-grade and pallet-grade Beech ranges from $60–$150 per MBF. Beech’s lower value reflects its tendency to warp and check during drying, though it remains useful for specific industrial applications.
What is Beech wood used for?
American Beech is used for railroad ties, pallets, industrial flooring (where its hardness is valued), tool handles, wooden toys, and food-contact items like cutting boards and kitchen utensils (it has no taste or odor). European Beech is more commercially popular, but American Beech serves important utilitarian markets. Beech is also widely used for firewood due to its high heat output.
Why is Beech less valuable than other hardwoods?
Beech has several characteristics that limit its commercial value: it tends to warp and split significantly during kiln drying, the heartwood is prone to discoloration, and it has poor dimensional stability compared to species like Oak or Maple. It also oxidizes quickly when exposed to air, developing a pinkish-brown color that can be undesirable. However, Beech’s hardness (1,300 Janka) and wear resistance make it excellent for industrial applications where appearance matters less.
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