Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly wavy with a fine, uniform texture. The sample shows a flat-sawn surface with diffuse-porous structure and subtle flame or curly figure in the upper-left quadrant.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light yellowish-brown; sapwood is pale white-yellow. Features a natural luster and chatoyance that deepens to a golden amber with age and UV exposure, as seen in the warm tones of this sample.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if exposed to moisture, though very stable for indoor use.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, veneer, plywood, and turned objects like tool handles or toys.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot (Select Grade)
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a piece of furniture 20-50 years old, based on the ambering of the finish and the typical wear/scratching patterns visible on the surface.
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 can exhibit tearout during planing if grain is figured. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can be blotchy if not pre-sealed.
Notable Features
Virtually odorless; relatively heavy and strong for its appearance; known for having a high shock resistance. The grain is dense enough to take a very high natural polish.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in high-use areas; shellac or oil-based finishes are recommended to enhance the natural chatoyance and grain figure.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The diffuse-porous grain, light golden hue, and characteristic fine texture strongly point to Birch, specifically Yellow Birch, which is the most common commercial species used in this application.