Beechwood comes mainly from the forests of Central Europe and is one of the most widespread trees in that area.

It is light, almost white, and takes on a pink color after the vaporization and drying process.

Beechwood is heavy, has a dry density of 680 kg/m3 and is a hardwood with significant shrinkage. It is easy to work and is a very good wood for milling, turning and carving.

Beech wood is primarily used in the manufacturing of furniture and furnishings, veneers, plywood, stairs, and parquet. It is also used for toys, and kitchen utensils (like these fine examples). The timber can be used to build chalets, houses, and log cabins. Some drums are made from beech, which has a tone between those of maple and birch.

Beechwood is an excellent firewood, easily split and burning for many hours with bright but calm flames. Slats of beech wood are spread around the bottom of fermentation tanks for Budweiser beer. Beech logs are burned to dry the malt used in German smoked beers. Beech is also used to smoke Westphalian ham, traditional andouille (an offal sausage) from Normandy, and some cheeses.