INQUIRY IN BEECH WOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY CONCERNING RED HEARTWOOD

摘要

An inquiry into the beech wood processing industry has provided a survey of the existing knowledge, technologies and products relevant to beech containing red heartwood from the practical point of view. A lower price and a lower recovery factor are rated as most important consequences of red heartwood. Regarding products the necessity for developing new products and for supra-regional activities for marketing of red heartwood can be recognized. Most of the grading is performed manually. Steaming is thought to be suitable in order to reduce colour differences between red and light-coloured heartwood. Other possible methods for homogenisation and stabilisation of the wood colour are not well known. Thermal treatment is thought to be most suitable. Beech red heartwood is still thought to be best suited for pallets, packaging or hidden furniture parts. The greatest chances in alternative products are seen in design furniture or design interior accessories as well as flooring.