The wood from American beech is heavy, dense, strong, and resistant to splitting. Since it burns efficiently and has a high heat value, it is often used for charcoal and fuelwood. The harvested timber is used for rough lumber, flooring, plywood, and railroad ties. Beech wood is also used to make tool handles, baskets, veneer, and novelty items.

The soft, reddish tinge of the wood makes it desirable for furniture, and its naturally clean odor makes good food storage containers. Tar from the tree - called creosote - is used to protect other woods from rotting.

This species also makes for an excellent shade tree. The leaves and bark of the tree provide extracts for the making of fabric dyes. Early American colonists even used the leaves to stuff mattresses.