Grades & Properties of Wood Flooring —
Domestic Species
#2 Common Beech Flooring
#2 Common Beech is a durable flooring choice.
#2 Common Beech Flooring Dimension Specifications:
Standard pre-milled #2 Common Beech will have longer lengths in comparison to lower grades. Most flooring is in 7-foot bundles, or a custom-made long plank can be made. With a long plank, the lengths and widths are made specifically to each project's specifications. The longest lengths can be from 10 to 14 feet, and the widths can be from 2¼″ up to 6 or 7 inches. Moisture content is between 6% and 8% for quick acclimation. #2 Common Beech is found unfinished or prefinished in ¾″ solid or engineered with a veneer top layer.
Flooring Availability:
#2 Common grade Beech flooring is readily available. Custom orders usually demand 2-3 weeks for production, depending on lumber availability. Pre-milled standard 7-foot bundles are a stock item.
Finished Floor Appearance:
#2 Common Beech flooring has an even light yellow and tan appearance. The long lengths produced in a Select and Better grade make for fewer joints and a more aesthetically desirable floor. Beech is not sensitive to sunlight and will not darken considerably with an oil-based finish. Also, water-based finishes can be applied to slow any color change.
Flooring Durability and Stability:
#2 Common Beech is durable and resists denting and traffic wear quite well. Beech is relatively stable in comparison to other species like Yellow Pine.
Workability of #2 Common Beech Flooring:
Although a hardwood, #2 Common Beech flooring works with little difficulty with both hand and power tools. When installing the flooring, it is best to use a manual nailer, but staples and pneumatic nailers work well. Installation is quicker with higher-grade flooring because the lengths of the boards are typically longer. Beech holds screws well, and it glues, stains, and polishes to a very attractive finish. It is relatively easy to sand with flooring equipment, but professional sanding and finishing is recommended. Beech accepts stain quite well, which can alter the appearance of the floor drastically if desired.
Principal Uses of #2 Common American Beech Flooring:
Because of its lower price than Oak, #2 Common Beech flooring is used in low-, medium-, and high-end residential applications for a dramatically elegant floor.
Learn more about these other Beech wood flooring grades:
« About Beech Wood Flooring
