When most people think of hardwood furniture, timbers like oak, walnut, or teak come to mind. But here in Aotearoa, we have a locally grown option that’s just as strong and beautiful: NZ beech.

Beech is a hardwood grown on the West Coast of the South Island, where it is sustainably harvested under strict management plans. Despite being abundant and renewable, it remains one of the most underused timbers in New Zealand.

So why should beech get more attention?

• Strength and durability: Beech is dense and strong, making it ideal for high-use furniture like dining tables, benches, and flooring.

• Versatility: Its fine, even grain means it takes natural oils beautifully and suits both modern and classic interiors.

• Sustainability: By choosing West Coast beech, you are supporting local sawmills, forestry workers, and communities while reducing reliance on imported hardwoods.

• Healthy homes: Beech furniture at Innate is finished with natural, non-toxic oils, ensuring better indoor air quality compared to chemically finished imports.

At Innate Furniture, we are working directly with sawmills in Reefton to bring more beech into NZ homes and workplaces. From the new Christchurch stadium project to local café fitouts, demand for this timber is growing as more people learn about its potential.

So why is NZ beech underrated? Because its value has long been overlooked in favour of imports. But now, as sustainability becomes central to design, beech is stepping into the spotlight as one of the best local hardwoods available.