Things to Know about Beech Wood Cabinets

Beech wood is a beautiful, reddish-brown wood that's resistant to shock. That's why beech wood kitchen cabinets in Bellevue, WA, are so popular. If you're considering installing new beech wood cabinets, there are some things you should know about beech wood's properties and how they will affect your cabinets.

Beech Appearance

As mentioned, beech wood is a light brown or honey-colored wood. The grain generally runs straight and tight and is a uniform choice. This can be especially beneficial if you prefer a more uniform look without random swirls, which is more common in other types of wood. Beech also has a beautiful pattern of small reddish flecks throughout the wood. This is unique to beech and sets it apart from similar wood choices like maple and birch.

Milling Process

Beech has to be milled a certain way to keep it from sheering off along knots or areas with twisted grain. This stringent process means that it's one of the best lumber options available. However, if the lumber isn't milled properly or adequately dried in a kiln it can warp or twist, which is why it's important to check that the lumber your cabinets are made from was properly milled. This will ensure your cabinets are durable and sturdy for years to come.

Durability

Beech is a great choice for kitchen cabinets because it's resistant to shock due to its non-porous surface. That's why beech wood is often also used for furniture. It's great for receiving high-impact force or bearing a lot of weight, which is important for cabinets and drawers. It doesn't easily gouge or chip like many other types of wood will. It's also durable in that it's easy to work with, even when being worked against the grain. That means you have additional design options because it's relatively malleable and won't resist unusual cuts or lines as much. 

Aesthetic Considerations

Another reason beech wood kitchen cabinets in Bellevue, WA, are so popular is because the natural grain makes it easy to choose the natural wood with a clear coat, but it's light color also makes it easy to stain if you desire a different look. Beech has a classic, timeless, and elegant look that's easy to maintain throughout the years. If originality is important to you, beech wood is considered a more exclusive option than other types of wood because it isn't as readily available.