Hêtre massif, teinté noir, huilé

The black stain goes deep into the beech grain instead of sitting on top like paint, so the color still reads as real wood up close. Wiped it down with a damp cloth and the oiled surface didn't spot or dry out.

The oiled finish feels smooth but not slick, and the black stain is deep enough that you still catch the beech grain in daylight. Set it against oak in my place and it reads almost charcoal — warmer than I expected from something stained this dark.

Was worried a black stain would make the beech look flat, but the oiled finish keeps it warm instead of plasticky. You can still see the grain up close, and it hasn't shown fingerprints the way I expected. Used it on a side table and it's holding up fine after a month.