Paper Birch (or similar Birch species)
Betula papyrifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northern North America, across Canada and the northern United States
- Hardness
- 910 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with little visible distinction from the heartwood
Hardness (Janka)
910 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 to $6.00 per board foot (lumber)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to recently harvested log section
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely distributed, not listed on CITES or IUCN red lists
Common Uses
Plywood, turnings, boxes, crates, interior framing, and novelty items
Geographic Origin
Northern North America, across Canada and the northern United States
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or sawing if feed rates are too slow
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well, often used with clear coats like lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane to maintain its bright natural color
Notable Features
Characterized by pale bark covered in prominent white and greenish patches of crustose lichens; odorless when dry
