Color: Heartwood is mostly reddish brown; sapwood is generally pale white.

Grain: Mostly closed, straight grain; fine uniform texture. Coarser than European Beech.

Variations Within Species & Grades: Only one species is native to the United States. Moderate to high color variations between boards.

Hardness/Janka: 1300; 1% harder than Northern Red Oak.

Durability: Elastic, hard; excellent shock resistance. Wears well and stays smooth when subject to friction – popular for factory floors.

Sawing/Machining: Difficult to work with hand tools, but good machining qualities.

Sanding: Sands satisfactory.

Nailing: Good holding ability; but has a tendency to split.

Finishing: No known problems.