When purchasing beech trees or bistre wood products , it is important to know the type of tree you are buying . The difference between the two is often based on what the tree is and how it is shaped . Beech trees are generally straighter than bistre trees . The wood of beech is often used for smaller wood products , such as doors , bench tops , chairs , tables , and carts . Bistre , on the other hand , is often used for larger products , such as benches , flooring , and buildings .