Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform but can be wavy or curly. This sample shows a fine-textured, straight grain consistent with flat-sawn utility boards.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a light reddish-brown, with sapwood being a pale yellow or white. The sample shows a warm yellow-brown patina with darker blotches likely caused by liquid staining and degradation of the clear topcoat.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot and insect attack if exposed to moisture/ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, and turned objects. Often used for industrial applications like tool handles and crates due to its toughness.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and region.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years. The deep yellowing of the lacquer, the wear patterns on the edges, and the specific style of wood plugs/screws suggest mid-to-late 20th-century construction.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn during high-speed routing. Glues and finishes well, though it can exhibit blotchiness when stained.
Notable Features
Virtually odorless. Known for being a very heavy and strong wood for its class, often used as a more cost-effective substitute for Maple.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer is recommended for durability. If refinishing, a sanding sealer is suggested to prevent the blotchy absorption of pigments shown in the current sample.
Identification Confidence
Medium. The tight, diffuse-porous grain and the 'blotchy' way it has aged/stained are characteristic of Birch or Maple; the specific color shift toward a deeper yellow-gold is more indicative of Yellow Birch.