Birch
Color Range
Yellow Birch: Creamy-white sapwood and light reddish-brown heartwood. Sweet Birch: Dark, reddish heartwood. Paper Birch: lighter and softer than yellow or sweet birch.
Grain
Birch has a closed-pore structure with a fine, even grain. While typically straight-grained, it can occasionally exhibit highly decorative "curly" or "wavy" figure.
Texture
Like maple, it can be prone to blotchiness when staining and may require a pre-conditioner. It is non-durable regarding rot and should not be used for exterior applications.
Other Names
Other names here.
Typical Uses
Yellow Birch: most common species used for lumber and flooring. Sweet Birch: often used as a substitute for mahogany or cherry. Paper Birch: primarily used for specialty items like toothpicks, paper pulp, and turned objects.
Weight
3.58
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lbs /Bd. Ft. | Same as red oak (3.58 /bd. ft.)
Hardness
1260
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Janka Rating | -2.33% softer than red oak (1290 psi
Density
0.62
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Specific Gravity | -3.12% less dense than red oak (.64)
Strength, Stability, and Durability
Sensitivity: Like maple, it can be prone to blotchiness when staining and may require a pre-conditioner. It is non-durable regarding rot and should not be used for exterior applications
Workability / Finishing
It is exceptionally easy to cut, sand, and machine with power tools, though its density can make hand-tool work challenging. It takes stains very well, allowing it to mimic more expensive species.