Confused!!

[Roxie]

I am about to embark on the construction of a cot/bed for an arrival next May. I plan to use beech, and this where the confusion arises, what is the difference between steamed and not streamed beech and what would be the best type to use??

John

 

[Peter Sefton]

The steaming refers to way it was kilned, Beech is often dried in an vacuum kiln to try and reduce movement issues, this process gives the timber a slight pink tinge.

I usually use steamed can't remember if white Beech works any differently but marginal if it does.

Cheers Peter

 

[delboy47]

Some years ago I made a cot and a couple of beds out of beech. I have used both steamed and "unsteamed" but for the cot and beds it was unsteamed. This would always be my preference as I much prefer the look and finish to that you get with steamed beech. This I suppose though is just a personal thing. In terms of working with the wood, I never found any difference.

 

[RobinBHM]

steamed beech is pink,

white beech varies from almost white with flecks to deeper tones.

There is often a problem with white beech with stick marks

 

[RogerM]

Steamed beech will be more stable. Unsteamed beech can move all over the place. Never had any problem with kitchen cabinet doors made from steamed beech. However, a batch made from unsteamed resulted in 1 door in 5 warping to the extent that they had to be remade.