Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a fine, uniform texture. This sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral pattern with small, diffuse pores characteristic of the Birch family.
Color Description
Light reddish-brown heartwood with nearly white sapwood. This sample exhibits a warm, golden-amber patina consistent with aged lacquer or oil-based finishes. High natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, plywood, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the ambering of the topcoat and the fine surface checking visible in the finish.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though it can burn easily if router bits are dull. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Known for having one of the best weight-to-strength ratios among domestic hardwoods. High tannin content can occasionally cause blotching during staining.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability. A sanding sealer is recommended to prevent blotching if using pigment stains.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight pore structure, uniform texture, and specific ambering pattern are classic indicators of Birch used in mid-century or late 20th-century cabinetry.