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Origin: Europe
Family – Fagaceae
Scientific name
Fagus sylvatica L.
Trade and local names
Faia (Port.); Hêtre (Fr.); European beech (Ing.); Buche; Faia europeia.
Physical properties
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Density at 12% (kg/m³) |
710 |
Heavy |
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Tangential Radial
Shrinkage (%) |
11.8
5.8 |
High
High |
Mechanical properties
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Static bending
Breaking strength (N/mm²) |
110 |
Medium |
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Axial compression
Breaking strength (N/mm²) |
54 |
Medium |
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Tensile strength
Breaking strength (N/mm²) |
4.4 |
Low |
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Hardness (kN) |
5.8 |
Medium |
Durability
Not very durable. Particularly susceptible to wood fungi attack, but rather resistant to insects.
Technological properties
• Workability: works with ease, using both mechanical and manual equipment.
• Seasoning: rather slow and sensitive due to its extreme anisotropy (splinting and warping).
• Finish: excellent paint, lacquer and polishing finish.
• Gluing: quite satisfactory gluing qualities, easy and solid assembly.
Main uses
• Flooring
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Floor traffic |
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Light(residential) |
Normal
(public buildings) |
Heavy
(sports facilities) |
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x |
x |
x |
• Woodwork: particularly in the manufacturing of delicately styled furniture.
• Decorations: interior furnishing.
• Other: panelling, turnery, design objects, veneer and plywood for distinct construction purposes.
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