Beech wood, in its natural state, is known for its pale, creamy color, sometimes with a hint of pink or tan. It has a fine, even texture and a relatively straight grain, making it a versatile and predictable material for woodworking. Beech is a strong, dense hardwood, prized for its stability and ability to hold detail well. However, it’s not naturally resistant to rot or insects. Steamed beech, on the other hand, undergoes a heat and moisture treatment that significantly alters its appearance and properties. The steaming process deepens the color of the wood, transforming it into a richer, warmer tone, often with a reddish or pinkish hue. This process also makes the wood more pliable and easier to bend, while enhancing its stability. Steamed beech typically retains the fine texture of its unsteamed counterpart but gains an overall smoother appearance.
The key difference lies in the color and workability; while natural beech is pale and relatively stiff, steamed beech is darker, more flexible, and less prone to splitting when bent or shaped. This makes steamed beech a preferred choice for curved or complex designs where its enhanced pliability is an advantage. I didn’t notice any major differences turning the two, though the steamed beech was perhaps a little softer and produced a finder dust.
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