Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America (Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States).
- Hardness
- 1,260 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Perishable; low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated. Suitable only for interior use.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight or slightly wavy with a fine, even texture. Shows a subtle cathedral pattern in this flat-cut veneer sample with some light curly figure and small pith flecks.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light yellowish brown with reddish hues; sapwood is pale yellow to white. This sample shows significant ambering from an aged oil-based finish, common in mid-century cabinetry.
Hardness (Janka)
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Perishable; low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated. Suitable only for interior use.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 – $9.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- 20–40 years based on the heavy oxidation/yellowing of the finish and the characteristic wear patterns of mid-to-late 20th-century millwork.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and not listed by CITES. Widely available as FSC certified.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior doors, plywood, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States).
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools, though curly or figured areas can experience grain tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer for durability in cabinetry. Takes film-forming finishes exceptionally well due to its smooth surface texture.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless. Known for its closed-pore structure which allows it to take stains very well, often used to mimic more expensive woods like cherry or mahogany.
