CROWN STEAMED BEECH

Also known as: White Beech, Steamed Beech

Botanical Name: Fagus sylvatica

Origin: Europe and West Asia

Description: In order to produce White Beech veneer, the trees must be felled in the winter months when the sap is not rising. The logs are then sliced, uncooked, as quickly as possible to avoid any discolouration occurring. One difficulty often encountered with White Beech however, is its translucency which may necessitate prior underveneering. For steamed Beech veneer, the logs are cooked in the usual way and this changes the colour to a light pink to pinky brown. Large quantities of this veneer are consumed by all branches of the woodworking industry, and it is used extensively on furniture, doors, other interior joinery and for shopfitting. Beech veneer is also available in 1.5 and 2.5mm thickness flat cut and 1.0 and 1.5mm rotary cut.