Beech stands out among the other wood species due to its practicality and popularity. It is often used for building the staircases and furniture. This is due to the combination of its aesthetic and operational characteristics. In this article, we will examine the advantages of this material and find out how to take care of the beech steps.

Characteristics of beech products

Following are the main characteristics of beech:

  • wide color palette;
  • beautiful structure of wood;
  • high wear resistance;
  • comparatively low price;
  • possibility of polishing and tinting the material.

The color of beech can vary from brown to yellowish-pink. Thanks to the availability of unusual strokes, the structure of material allows you to realize the original design solutions in the interior. Beech steps can be covered only with a layer of varnish (without toning) to highlight their natural beauty.

Color saturation can change depending on the conditions, in which the wood is dried.

Beech boards can withstand significant mechanical damages. They are durable and don’t require specific care. This material is characterized by flexibility, which is why it can be used for manufacturing the original details of the staircase. Sometimes, beech steps are made to imitate more expensive wood species.

This material allows you to obtain flat and smooth surface. Due to the steam treatment, wood becomes very flexible. Beech details are easily glued and can be perfectly processed on a lathe, polished and tinted. Beech steps (as well as the furniture and flooring) became widespread in the modern interior design.

How to take care of the beech staircase?

Main indicators, required for the careful exploitation of wooden stairs are stable temperature and humidity level. Maintenance of optimum environmental conditions can prevent the deformation of structure. To maintain the air humidity of the room where the beech steps are located at the same level you should use special humidifiers during the heating season.

Beech is characterized by hygroscopicity. Therefore, it is not suitable for arranging the staircases in the room with the humidity drops. You should take into account that this material is vulnerable to fungi.

Comfort and safety of the whole structure depend largely on the size of steps. Its depth doesn’t exceed 360 mm, while the average height of such structure varies between 150 and 180 mm. To make the movement on the stairs comfortable, people often use a wide frieze (or invitational) lower step.

How to make a choice: oak or beech

Beech has a beautiful uniform texture and strength due to the structure of fibers. However, its price is much lower than that of similar oak products. Even though it is classified as precious hardwood, in some indicators it is inferior to oak. Following are its characteristics.

  1. Its price is more accessible compared to the oak steps.
  2. Beech steps look not so luxury in the interior. However, they are quite aesthetic.
  3. After drying, beech becomes even more durable than oak.
  4. High hygroscopicity, and consequently vulnerability to rot.

Considering all parameters (such as durability, wear resistance and price), you can choose the optimal option for specific space.

Beech steps are accessible, safe and practical. Leave the comments to the material and share your experience in building the wooden stairs.