White Birch
Betula papyrifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy with a fine, uniform texture. Lacks conspicuous rays or heavy figures, appearing mostly plain on the long grain surface.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light reddish-brown, while sapwood is nearly white/pale yellow. The sample shows significant ambering or wood-stain typical of mid-century furniture, which darkens following exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
910 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Utility furniture, internal chair frames, plywood, toothpicks, crates, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
3.00 USD to 5.00 USD per board foot for raw lumber; value in this context is as vintage furniture lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 50 to 70 years old, likely a piece of Mid-Century Modern mass-produced furniture from the 1950s-1960s based on the joinery and patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools; glues and finishes well but can be prone to blotching when stained without a sealer.
Notable Features
Close-grained wood that is relatively odorless; often used as a 'secondary' wood in furniture or stained to mimic species like Maple or Cherry.
Finish Recommendations
Thorough sanding to remove old lacquer, followed by a wood conditioner/sealer before applying oil-based stains or polyurethane to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the closed grain, color of the scuffs showing through the finish, and the context of the chair's construction strongly suggest a utility hardwood like Birch or Soft Maple.