Paper Birch (American White Birch)
Betula papyrifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northern North America, ranging from Alaska through Canada to the Northern United States
- Hardness
- 910 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable; perishable and highly susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in the elements
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with indistinct growth rings and a uniform, diffuse-porous structure
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to pale yellow sapwood with little distinction from heartwood in young stems; aging to a warmer yellow-brown over time
Hardness (Janka)
910 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; perishable and highly susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in the elements
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
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
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
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well; polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to prevent the light wood from yellowing or becoming soiled
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
