Paper Birch (American White Birch)
Betula papyrifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with indistinct growth rings and a uniform, diffuse-porous structure
Color Description
Creamy white to pale yellow sapwood with little distinction from heartwood in young stems; aging to a warmer yellow-brown over time
Hardness Rating
910 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; perishable and highly susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in the elements
Common Uses
Pulpwood for paper, plywood/veneerコア, turned items (spools, toothpicks), interior furniture, crates, and small specialty woodenware
Geographic Origin
Northern North America, ranging from Alaska through Canada to the Northern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.00 - $6.00 per board foot for lumber; often sold cheaper as pulpwood or firewood
Wood Age Estimate
Young growth, likely 5-10 years old based on the small diameter of the branch/log and lack of heartwood development
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, screws, and finishes well, though it can be prone to fuzzy grain if tools are not sharp
Notable Features
Distinctive white papery bark with horizontal lenticels visible on the exterior; emits a faint, pleasant scent when fresh-cut; peels easily in thin layers on older specimens
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well; polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to prevent the light wood from yellowing or becoming soiled
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the iconic white papery bark with horizontal lenticels and the light-colored, fine-grained diffuse-porous end grain is characteristic of Betula papyrifera