Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight or slightly wavy with a fine, even texture. The image shows a rotary-peeled veneer face with subtle cathedral patterns and slight curly figure in the lower-left section.
Color Description
Heartwood is light reddish-brown; sapwood is pale yellow to nearly white. The sample shows a warm, medium-tan patina likely due to age-related oxidation and a clear film finish.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable; non-durable to slightly durable regarding decay resistance. Susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior doors, plywood, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $8.00 per board foot for solid lumber; $50 - $120 per 4x8 sheet for cabinet-grade plywood.
Wood Age Estimate
10-30 years based on the ambering of the topcoat and the fine surface scratches consistent with long-term residential use.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though figured pieces can experience grain tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Closed-pore structure makes it excellent for paint or stain; lacks a distinctive odor; may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac. It takes stains well, though a pre-stain sealer is recommended to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The diffuse-porous structure, pale coloring, and rotary-cut grain visible in the image are highly characteristic of North American Birch plywood common in cabinetry.