Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight or slightly wavy with a fine, even texture. This sample shows a flat-sawn face grain with minimal figure, common in utility-grade boards.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish brown, while sapwood is nearly white to pale yellow. This sample exhibits a warm, amber-toned patina likely from age or a shellac-based finish. It darkens moderately with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable; low resistance to decay and rot; susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior doors, plywood, turnings, and small specialty wooden items.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot (4/4 Select & Better)
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the heavy surface scratching, oxidized amber patina of the finish, and accumulation of deep compression marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can be difficult to stain due to blotching. Gluing and finishing are excellent.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Known for having a high shock resistance. The wood is often sold mixed with Sweet Birch (B. lenta).
Finish Recommendations
Wiping varnish or polyurethane recommended for durability. A sanding sealer or shellac is advised before staining to prevent blotching.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the fine pores, uniform texture, and specific reddish-gold patina are characteristic of Birch, though it can resemble Hard Maple or Black Cherry without a visible end-grain macro-shot.