Solid beech furniture - properties of wood, features of selection and care

Beech is the “low-cost version” of oak and is as strong and durable as it is used in furniture production. It is difficult for a non-professional to distinguish furniture made from solid beech and oak, especially considering the variety of shades of coatings that can imitate almost any wood. One of the main indicators of the authenticity of solid beech furniture is the unostentatious luxury, elegance and, at the same time, the massiveness of the furniture sets. They are suitable for arranging both residential and office premises, so designers have great opportunities in arranging interiors of varying complexity.

Properties of beech as a material for furniture production

Manufacturers of solid beech furniture highlight the following properties of this tree:

• resistance to mechanical stress;
• high density - about 680 g/cubic. m;
• gaining flexibility and lightness after steaming;
• sufficiently high hygroscopicity, which allows you to install untreated furnishings only indoors;
• the average humidity is 80%, and its maximum value is 120%;
• unique composition of wood, which contains a large number of natural components beneficial to health: lingin - 24%, pentosans - 16.7%, hexosans - 5.6%:
• beech wood does not have a visible core, and therefore the final color of the furniture is uniform, without inclusions;
• beech perfectly absorbs moisture, and therefore solid wood furniture is rarely used in the bathroom or any other room with high humidity.

The properties of wood make it possible to produce high-quality products belonging to the middle price category. In appearance, beech furniture is not inferior to more expensive solid oak products.

Unique texture and beauty

Beech wood is uniform - its color depends on age and can vary from yellowish to pinkish and even red-brown with a rich tint. The most beautiful colors are acquired by trees whose lifespan is slightly more than 120 years (with an average life cycle of over 400 years). In addition, beech is notable for its distinct growth rings and medullary rays. Polishing furniture made from this hardwood allows you to form a beautiful and unique pattern on the surface of the beech. That is why furniture made from this wood immediately attracts attention with its original appearance.

Beech varieties

The production of beech furniture is quite common due to the excellent physical qualities and aesthetic appearance of the solid wood. Currently, you can buy solid beech furniture in Moscow in any furniture showroom, or you can order an individual sketch development and production of furniture from the Derevyagino company, taking into account the client’s requirements. However, before doing this, it is necessary to study the characteristics of the varieties of solid beech.

There are three types:

1. White or hornbeam. It has a light grayish tint. When dry, it does not change shape. Finished products made from white beech have a rough appearance. If you need furniture in a rough and unpretentious style, hornbeam beech as a material will be the ideal solution.
2. Wooden blanks (chipboard, plywood) are made from planed beech. They are used for assembling furniture.
3. The manufacturer receives bleached beech after dyeing. The procedure is carried out in several stages. The wood is steamed, then painted in the desired shade and given time to dry.

In any case, beech as a material for furniture is one of the most desirable options among buyers. In appearance, such furniture is almost indistinguishable from elite solid beech, but the price of beech furniture is 2 and sometimes 3 times lower.

Birch

Drawing

Birch has white-yellow or white with a reddish, brown tint; the heartwood and sapwood do not differ (heartless wood). The medullary rays on it are visible only in a radial section, the annual increments differ little, and are well expressed only in late growth.

Birch wood may have reddish-brown stains or a special grain structure caused by curling, a genetic defect that causes the fibers to grow in a crooked and irregular manner. This defect in carpentry is considered an advantage, because it allows you to obtain very beautiful products. Sometimes you encounter birch that is infected with a viral infection, resulting in bark inclusions in the wood that, when cut, form brown dots (specks) and stripes. Such a biological defect is an undeniable value when creating products.

Strength

The strength characteristics of birch are determined by its type. The densest and most durable wood is found in iron birch, slightly inferior to the wood of yellow, stone and black birches. In furniture production, silver birch (warty) and downy birch are used mainly, which, in terms of density and strength, occupies an intermediate position between hard and soft varieties - 0.65 g/cm3. Their wood is viscous and elastic, which makes it possible to produce shaped (bent) elements of high strength, for example, slats for orthopedic furniture bases, which are equipped with many beds in our store. These same qualities allow birch wood to reliably hold fasteners and adhere tightly - products made from it are difficult to loosen or break. That is why in the budget segment chairs and stools are mainly made of birch, since this furniture is most often subjected to cyclic loads.

Carving on a birch bed or chair or nightstand can be highly complex without the threat of breaking or losing elements in a short time.

However, birch is not at all resistant to moisture: it rots faster than others and becomes unusable or is affected by fungus.

When you need brightly colored, smooth, even tone furniture, birch is the best choice. Combinations of smooth painted birch and textured natural oak look impressive - they are increasingly used in the design of modern furniture, allowing you to create extraordinary and noble products.

It is not customary to use birch in its natural color - the products look unfinished. But birch wood can be painted in the colors of expensive types of wood, imitating their texture. Birch is also excellent for painting with enamels (white, ivory, etc.), thanks to the properties of birch, the enamel retains its appearance for many years.

Pros and cons of beech furniture

Beech is often compared to oak, and for those who want to save money on furniture without sacrificing quality, solid beech is a worthy alternative. Beech furniture has both its pros and cons. We will look at both, but we will start with the advantages of such furniture.

The most popular are solid beech beds, wardrobes and bedside tables. Externally, the products are difficult to distinguish from oak furniture, and their cost is much lower.

Advantages of beech furniture

The popularity of beech furniture can be explained by the many advantages and excellent physical properties of wood. High performance characteristics and the beauty of the natural pattern have made beech the standard in the production of wooden furniture.

The main advantages of wood include:

• high density;
• the ability to maintain its original appearance during production drying;
• interesting natural pattern of wood cutting, giving a unique color;
• tendency to rapid bleaching, which allows you to give the product any color;
• preservation of shade when varnishing furniture;
• good flexibility;
• ease of cutting.

Despite the large number of positive qualities of the material, it is necessary to take into account the “cons” of wood.

Disadvantages of beech furniture

Compared to the advantages, there are not so many disadvantages of beech furniture. In addition, they can be easily overcome by careful selection of the manufacturer and proper care of the surface.

Manufacturers include the following negative characteristics of beech:

• poor tolerance to changes in humidity;
• darkening of color during long-term use;
• the appearance of cracks in case of improper care;
• heavy weight of the product.

Knowing the disadvantages will simplify the selection process. Proper care of furniture will help eliminate some of the “cons”.

Features and properties of wood

In the form of solid wood, plywood or veneer, beech is used for the production of office, home and garden furniture. Beech panels are used to cover walls, ceilings, floors, and for staircases. Beech wood is a hard, heavy material that has the same density throughout. The last indicator at low humidity (12–15%) is on average 700 kg/m3.

The wood dries quickly and is easy to decorate. Beech absorbs protective solutions well, as it is highly hygroscopic. After steaming, the material bends easily, which makes it possible to make bent furniture from it. The natural color of wood varies from pale pink or pale yellow to red-brown.

In addition to technological and decorative characteristics, this natural material has another positive property, valuable from an energy point of view. The tree itself is classified as a “donor”. Its wood can increase a person’s resistance to stress, improve sleep, and activate blood circulation. But, despite its bright advantages, this tree variety has a number of disadvantages:

• tendency to deformation;
• strong bending under load;
• instability to changes in humidity;
• poor resistance to mold.

Beech products are used both indoors and in gazebos and terraces. With high-quality impregnation (treatment with anti-rot and waterproof emulsions), they can also be used outdoors. But in this case, in order to extend the life of the furniture, it is necessary to comply with all the requirements for caring for it.

Features and advantages of ash furniture, combination with interior

Types of furniture made of solid beech

Manufacturers mainly produce classic wooden furniture from beech. Products made from solid logs are more durable and have a luxurious appearance. Each group of furnishings has its own characteristics.

Children's and teenagers' furniture

Children's and teenagers' beech furniture for a child's room is the most reliable and safe to use. Parents do not have to worry about possible mechanical damage and the environmental friendliness of this material. Wood can withstand significant loads, jumping, walking and other impacts. The main advantage of such furniture is the naturalness of this material, which allows the manufacture of furniture from beech even for newborns. The following types of children's furniture made of solid beech are very popular:

• cots for babies;
• chests of drawers;
• bunk children's beds;
• classic beds for children and teenagers.
• cabinets;
• cabinets.

Typically, parents choose children's furniture in bright or pastel colors. Furniture made from light beech is in great demand for arranging such premises, unless of course the child himself desires it.

You can buy children's furniture made of solid beech in Moscow with delivery to any area on the website. We do not put production on stream, producing template furniture from beech. Each set from our craftsmen is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece.

You can see beech furniture options for a children's room in the photo:

Solid beech beds

Solid beech beds from the manufacturer Derevyagino are environmentally friendly because they are not subjected to chemical treatment. Classic beech bedroom furniture has rectangular legs and straight headboards. According to the standard, beds can be double or single. You can make a sofa bed or daybed to order.

The main decorative element of a bedroom with beech furniture is the appearance. Natural shades and natural patterns create a special atmosphere and give coziness to the bedroom.

Typical styles for the production of bedroom furniture from solid beech are classicism, modernism, shabby chic, Provence, minimalism. In color schemes, preference is given to furniture made of dark or light beech - milky, light gray, bleached.

A bed made of solid beech is a solution for people with greater weight or height, because such sets are characterized by a higher degree of load.

You can buy bedroom furniture, including solid beech beds, by contacting the specialists. We make beech furniture to order, both according to your sketches, and we provide our ideas taking into account your wishes.

We suggest you review the photo of beech furniture in the bedroom interior:

Solid beech cabinets

If you don’t know which wood is best for furniture, choose beech. This is a universal material that is successfully used for the production of beds, bedside tables and tables, as well as wardrobes.

Solid beech cabinets can be presented in several options:

1. Beech wardrobes for clothes . They are installed in small rooms, since opening their doors does not require free space.
2. Beech display cabinets, hinged. The furniture is designed for living rooms, kitchens and dining rooms. The doors and shelves of the products are glass. Such cabinets are used to store porcelain and crystal tableware.
3. Beech wardrobes. Used to store clothes, shoes, bed linen.
4. Beech bookcases. Installed in offices and living rooms. Furnishings are used to store books and documents. Cabinet doors can be made of wood or glass. Beech cabinets are considered durable and spacious furniture for storing a large number of things.
5. Solid beech cabinets for documents. Used in the office or home offices. The sashes can be either glass or without filling. Such sets must include a sideboard and shelving for convenient storage.

Separately, we can also distinguish such varieties made of solid beech as a pencil case, wall cabinets, corner cabinets, children's cabinets with drawers, etc.

If you plan to decorate your interior with this beech furniture, we suggest you contact our factory for help. We develop each order personally with the client, and therefore our products are unique and inimitable.

In addition, look at the photos of solid beech cabinets that you can buy from Derevyagino:

Solid beech chests of drawers

Classic models of chests of drawers fit into the interior of any room. You can store wardrobe items, documents and many other small items in them. There are models that have a more formal appearance. The corners of such chests of drawers are sharp. Products for the bedroom can have carved facades and smooth outlines.

Among the chests of drawers made of solid beech are:

• changing rooms;
• bedside;
• chests of drawers in the living room;
• kitchen

You can buy all these models of beech chests of drawers in Moscow by contacting the Derevyagino company for help. We have our own production of furniture from popular types of solid wood: beech, oak, pine, birch, alder. And therefore we guarantee you favorable prices in Moscow without extra charges.

Photo examples of such furniture in the interior:

Solid beech furniture for the living room

The living room is the “face” of the hostess, her character and lifestyle. This is the place where friends and acquaintances, family and friends gather, and therefore it is so important to create comfort and an atmosphere that would emphasize your positive qualities.

You should start with the furniture. If you want to surprise your guests and impress them, choose beech living room furniture. Modern trends dictate that we abandon the walls that came to us since Soviet times. But due to the fact that such furniture is very ergonomic and functional, take a closer look at the modern options for beech living room walls.

The armchairs and sofa must complement each other or be in the same style, not necessarily the same color. What is a living room without a coffee table - it’s good if it is made of the same solid beech as the wall.

Take care of the lighting. If the room is spacious, an Empire style chandelier with decorative inserts and elements will look beautiful. Floor lamps above the sofa in the center of the room look stylish.

You can buy beech furniture for the living room on our website, only here you can order truly unique interior items that will personify your character and style.

And before purchasing, we recommend viewing photos of such furniture in the living room interior:

Bent beech furniture - Viennese chairs

Popular representatives of this variety are Viennese chairs made of beech.

Their distinctive features include:

• thin legs;
• comfortable seats;
• arched backs.

Soft chairs are also common among bent furniture. They have twisted armrests and outwardly curved backs. Such products complement the interior of dining rooms, kitchens and living rooms.

You can purchase such furniture made from solid beech to order; this will become, for example, an original and exclusive gift for loved ones.

See photos of such headsets in our article:

Solid beech garden furniture

The price of solid wood furniture for a garden plot is average on the market, despite the fact that the wood for making garden products undergoes additional processing. Beech garden furniture for a country terrace or gazebo is stable and can withstand heavy loads. It is quite difficult to tip over beech chairs, so beech garden furniture is considered safe.

We recommend purchasing such solid beech furniture from the manufacturer, this way you will save up to 30%, since the furniture will be made individually for you directly from the furniture factory, without intermediaries and resellers.

Photos of garden furniture are presented below:

Solid beech furniture for the bathroom

Beech is not highly resistant to moisture, and therefore interior items from this solid wood can rarely be found in rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. However, we do not insist on abandoning beech bathroom furniture. To protect wood, special coatings and impregnations are used, which will perform a water-repellent function for several years. The downside of this solution is that you will have to regularly care for beech furniture by updating the coating.

Solid beech furniture for the bathroom includes various types of cabinets for storing towels and personal hygiene products, organizer shelves, and wall cabinets. If space allows, you can make chairs and tables for the bathroom from beech.

How it looks in the interior, see the photo below:

Solid beech office furniture

Beech office furniture for employees means not only the prestige of a company that can afford to install such furniture, but also the comfort of workers who are in the office up to 8-9 hours a day.

The range of office furniture includes tables, chairs, shelving, filing cabinets, and sideboards. The style of furniture must be selected based on the interior of the room or the corporate style of the company. For example, if this is an organization engaged in Internet technologies and website development, the classic style will not be appropriate. It is better to choose a combination of hi-tech and minimalism.

You can order the production of office furniture from solid beech on our website by first contacting the manager.

And below we present a photo of such furniture:

Wood for furniture production

In the manufacture of wooden interior items, ready-made panels are used, pre-cut from solid wood or obtained by gluing thin plates. The starting material for them is a tree trunk, called industrial wood.

The trunk is the same, but the wood is different

Wood in different parts of the trunk has different characteristics.

In the middle part of the trunk there is usually a clearly defined core, which forms during the first years of the tree’s existence. It has a loose structure. Deciduous trees usually have a larger core diameter than conifers.

Every year the tree “puts on” more and more layers of wood, and the trunk thickens. This is how annual layers arise, diverging from the center in concentric rings. Each breed has its own expression of growth rings - this is its uniqueness.

Simultaneously with the formation of the next layer, those that formed earlier (surrounding the core) gradually die off. In a number of trees, this dead part of the wood acquires a darker color in comparison with the remaining layers.

The dead layers are usually called the core part, and the area of ​​“living” wood surrounding the core is called sapwood. The core area is less susceptible to cracking and rotting, therefore it is most valued by furniture makers. Sapwood is less durable, so some craftsmen get rid of this layer when preparing materials.

Time of year and wood quality

At different times of the year, the wood of the annual layer grows differently, and the quality characteristics of different sections of the trunk also depend on this.

In the spring-summer period, the woody layer grows quickly, in the fall the growth rate slows down, and in winter it completely disappears. This affects the quality of the wood: spring wood is looser and colored in light colors, while autumn wood is dense and dark.

The width of the growth rings not only shapes the appearance, but also affects the properties of the wood.

• Among coniferous species (for example, pine), specimens with narrower annual layers are considered to be the highest quality.
• The opposite situation applies to oak and ash: the presence of wide rings in them indicates significant strength.
• In birch, the size of the rings is in no way related to the characteristics of the wood.

When the weather is favorable for growth, an annual ring of considerable width is formed, and in harsh conditions (regardless of the time of year) narrow rings are obtained, which are not always visible to the naked eye.

Beech furniture shade palette

In nature, beech is found in several shades. These include:

• light beige;
• light yellow;
• whitish-gray;
• cream;
• light pink;
• dark.

In production, the natural palette is replenished with other colors.

The natural colors of beech furniture are suitable for decorating a room in a loft or eco-style. It must be remembered that over time the product will become darker. If the owner of the room wants to create a unique design, then it is better to choose a color from a palette of artificially created shades.

We invite you to look at photos of beech furniture in various colors:

Pine

Drawing

On a pine cut, the brown-red/yellow core and the yellowish-white sapwood are clearly distinguishable - the transition between them is quite sharp, especially in older trees. Pine wood is rich in resin ducts with a diameter of up to 0.1 mm, which are visible during any type of sawing.

Strength

Pine wood is durable, resinous, quite hard, especially in the core - 0.52 g/cm3, viscous and moderately prone to warping. Pine wood is easily sawn, processed, holds fasteners well, is well painted and impregnated with stains.

Pine has a heterogeneous color, often with spots and knots. If you use its natural color and texture, then you should take into account that “natural pine” furniture would be appropriate either in a rustic, bright ethnic style, or in loft interiors, “alpine shepherds’ houses” and the like.

The peculiarity of pine wood is that it looks most advantageous either in very delicate colors or in rich ones. The best choice is natural colors: “chocolate”, “dark caramel”, “buckwheat honey”. Brushed, bleached or simply selectively varnished pine looks great.

Due to the resinous nature of pine, it is not recommended to paint it with enamels (white enamel, ivory, etc.), since resinous fibers can “bleed through” the enamel after a certain time.

Features of choosing solid beech furniture

Before buying solid beech furniture from the manufacturer, you need to pay attention to:

1. Product processing. It must be coated with water-based varnish.
2. Joints of parts. The edges are smooth and symmetrical.
3. Coating. In high-quality furnishings, the top layer of varnish does not have cracks or air bubbles.
4. Accessories. The handles are screwed tightly to the cabinet doors. Drawers on skids open and close without making unpleasant sounds. All mechanisms function correctly.
5. Stability of furniture. The legs must be securely screwed to the product.
6. Smooth movement of doors and drawers.
7. Seller. He can provide certificates confirming the quality of the furniture he sells.
8. Reviews about the seller. On the Internet or from friends you can get a detailed review of the seller or manufacturer.

If you approach the selection of beech furniture responsibly and take into account all the features of choosing wood products, then the purchased furnishings will last for several decades.

What it is?

Solid beech, along with the solid type, can also be made in a solid lamella version. The thickness of the racks in this case is usually 30-40 mm. One way or another, since ancient times the tree has been an absolute symbol of good quality and indestructible tradition. Even in the 21st century they value:

• ergonomics;
• practicality;
• cosiness;
• external attractiveness of beech wood.

The proliferation of modern materials does not in the least hinder the use of this time-tested technological solution, because the environmental benefits are undeniable. Solid wood rots less and is excellent for restoration. Even characteristic defects become an excellent aesthetic addition to the main appearance.

As for simulating such a surface, touching it is enough to feel the difference.

The characteristics of natural looking solid beech are even better. But it needs very careful, even scrupulous processing. Therefore, the efforts of trained specialists and careful adherence to technology will be required. Beech:

• wear-resistant;
• often found in nature;
• has a high density;
• very hard;
• lasts a long time even in difficult conditions.

Features of caring for beech furniture

To extend the life of beech furniture, it is necessary to properly care for the products. Basic rules of care:

1. Avoid contact with moisture on the surface of the product. If liquid ends up on beech furniture, you need to wipe the wooden piece of furniture dry.
2. Small stains are removed with a dry suede cloth. Heavily soiled furniture should be cleaned using dishwashing detergent.
3. It is prohibited to use detergents containing solvent or alcohol to clean the surface of beech furniture.
4. To preserve the color of the furniture, you must ensure that the sun does not fall on its surface. Otherwise the shade will become darker.
5. There should be no temperature changes in the room where solid beech furniture is installed. This will cause the wood to crack.
6. When using additional heating devices, place a bucket of water in the room with beech products. This will help avoid a sharp drop in the humidity level in the room.

By adhering to these care rules, you can maintain the original appearance of the product for many years.

High-quality beech furniture has a luxurious appearance. It is not inferior to oak products. Subject to all operating conditions, beech furnishings will serve the owners for many years without losing their original qualities.

Tips for selection and care

A quality item made from wood has a smooth surface without cracks, swelling, or unevenness. The boundaries between individual panels in a product should always be smooth, without gaps. Fastening mechanisms must be 100% functional. When moving the cabinet door or drawer in the chest of drawers, no extraneous sounds or creaks should be heard. When choosing beech interior items, experts advise focusing on several points:

• quality of surface treatment;
• features of joints;
• operability of mechanisms and accessories;
• stability, structural strength;
• availability of certificates.

In order for new wooden furniture made from valuable wood to last longer and not lose its aesthetic characteristics, you should follow basic care rules. It must be protected from water and sudden changes in humidity. Dust, moisture, and dirt are removed with a soft cloth. In case of heavy soiling, you can use dishwashing detergent. Taboo on the use of products based on alcohol, acetone or solvent.

It is recommended to protect beech products from direct sunlight, as they cause color darkening. It is also necessary to protect furniture from temperature changes that are harmful to it, as a result of which cracks appear in the wood. The optimal temperature for this breed is 20 degrees.

Interior and garden items made from beech are an excellent solution for those who are looking for a good combination of cost, quality and aesthetics. When treated with care, such furniture retains its specified properties for many years. And proper care can not only emphasize its external beauty, but also extend the life of your favorite products.

Surface finish quality

Features of joints

Performance of mechanisms and accessories

Stability, structural strength

Availability of certificates

What are they making?

Interior doors are often made from solid beech wood. The wood for them is carefully sanded and varnished. This solution allows you to improve the appearance and maximize the time of use. Beech doors are comparable to oak and ash in terms of characteristics, but are much more affordable. Moisture resistance allows you to safely install them in swimming pools, baths, and bathrooms.

Such high characteristics make it possible to use this material for furnishing a kitchen. Both monolithic and framed facades (framed with veneer of slab materials) can be used for it. The solid surface fits best into modern interior styles. In this case, the designers place the main emphasis on the design of solid wood. Caring for such structures is much easier.

Frame products can often be found in traditional kitchens. In this option, the use of carved elements or the creation of a patina is encouraged. This provides the effect of visual aristocracy in the environment. At the same time, the room becomes cozier and more pleasant. But a sofa or chest of drawers can also be made from solid beech.

Such pieces of furniture will definitely suit lovers of noble and sophisticated home decoration.

The elite look and high durability will allow you to enjoy the furniture for many years without any problems. But we must remember that the filling of the same sofa or chair is also of great importance. It is also worth considering ideas for making other furniture items from beech. So, an ottoman can be made on its basis.

It combines such valuable functions as:

• comfortable day sofa;
• a complete place to sleep at night;
• miniature cabinet (if roll-out drawers are provided).

Solid wood consoles are undeservedly unpopular. Meanwhile, it allows you to balance the decorative and practical characteristics of the furniture. Decorative tables are usually placed closer to the wall on their own or as a stand for lamps or for decorative elements. There are options with lacquered or transparent countertops. Furniture consoles rest on 2 or 4 legs.

Transforming consoles can also serve as:

• dining tables;
• desks;
• dressing tables.

Of course, the bookcase also deserves attention. This piece of furniture allows you to place flowers and books. It can also hold small household appliances. Using a bookcase, you can easily replace bulky cabinets and other interior items that take up too much space. It can be easily rearranged as needed, which is extremely convenient.

However, not only pieces of furniture are important, but also the colors they may have.

Thus, white beech wood is excellent for cottages and country houses. It is mainly used in country settings. Beige beech and light woods are the most common. You can see them in the boss’s office, in the children’s room, and in the bedroom; guaranteed to fit into old-fashioned and modern styles alike.

Bleached paint can fit perfectly into a loft setting. Golden and silver varieties of beech are best combined with interiors:

• modern;
• baroque;
• techno.

How much does 1 cube of beech cost?

Prices