303.733.1292
800-692-WOOD(9663)
303.733.1292
800-692-WOOD(9663)
Botanical Name
Betula alleghaniensis, Betula lenta, Betula papyrifera
Other Common Names
Yellow Birch(B. alleghaniensis), Sweet Birch(B. lenta), and Paper Birch(B. papyrifera)
Region
Northeastern North America, Central North America
Country
North America, Canada, Alaska
The Tree
The birch tree can reach heights of 70 feet with a diameter of more than 2 feet.
Appearance
Birch has a fine, uniform texture. Yellow birch has white sapwood and light reddish-brown heartwood. Sweet birch has light-colored sapwood and dark brown heartwood tinged with red.
Properties
The wood varies slightly among species.The wood of yellow birch and sweet birch is heavy, hard and strong. Paper birch is lighter and less hard than yellow birch.
Working Properties
Varies with species. Paper birch is easy to work with hand tools; sweet birch and yellow birch are difficult to work with hand tools and difficult to glue, but easily machined.
Uses
Widely used for veneer, plywood, doors, furniture, and paneling.
Availability
Likely to be rather economical. Birch is similar to maple or oak depending on the species.