Silver Birch / White Birch
Betula pendula / Betula papyrifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform with a fine, even texture. Cross-cut end grain shows indistinct growth rings and a diffuse-porous structure typical of the Betula genus.
Color Description
Heartwood is a pale cream to light reddish-brown, while sapwood is nearly white. The wood has a low to medium luster and typically shows very little color difference between heartwood and sapwood in young logs.
Hardness Rating
1,210 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to decay and insect attack if left exposed to moisture or ground contact.
Common Uses
Plywood, crates, boxes, turned objects, toothpicks, paper pulp, interior furniture parts, and high-quality firewood.
Geographic Origin
Northern Hemisphere; widely distributed across North America, Europe, and Northern Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; primarily sold as logs for firewood or turning blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly harvested green log; approximately 10-15 years old based on the diameter and visible growth ring count.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed on CITES appendices. Frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can be prone to closing up on saw blades if the wood has high internal tension. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive thin, papery white to silver bark with horizontal lenticels. Birch is known for its excellent turning properties and lack of significant scent.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all standard finishes well, including oils, polyurethane, and lacquer. Often stained to mimic more expensive hardwoods like Cherry or Mahogany.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the characteristic silvery-white bark with horizontal lenticels and the pale, diffuse-porous end grain is diagnostic for Birch.