Paper Birch (White Birch)
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 rot and decay if exposed to moisture, though the bark itself is highly decay-resistant.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, and uniform grain with a plain cathedral figure on flat-sawn surfaces; small pith and circular growth rings are visible in this branch section.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light reddish-brown, while the sapwood (dominant in young branches) is nearly white to creamy yellow. It has a low luster and tends to yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
910 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot and decay if exposed to moisture, though the bark itself is highly decay-resistant.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 - $6.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; sample shown is a raw branch with negligible commercial value.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated 4 to 6 years based on the count of visible annual growth rings in the branch cross-section.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed on CITES appendices; often FSC certified.
Common Uses
Paper pulp, fuel wood, crates, boxes, plywood, turned objects like spools and bobbins, and decorative rustic crafts.
Geographic Origin
Northern North America, across Canada and the northern United States.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can experience tearout during planing if grain is slightly wavy. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to prevent yellowing; shellac also provides a classic look.
Notable Features
Features characteristic white, peeling, papery bark with horizontal lenticels; the wood has no characteristic odor or taste and is generally low in toxicity.
