Paper Birch (American White Birch)
Betula papyrifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain with a uniform texture. Visible radial checking (pith cracks) and faint growth rings are typical for this diffuse-porous species.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood. The sapwood is generally white; this sample shows significant gray/black 'spalting' or fungal staining due to moisture, and the wood will yellow significantly over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
910 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack if left exposed to moisture, as evidenced by the mold spotting on the end grain.
Common Uses
Pulpwood for paper, crates, boxes, turned objects (spools, bobbins), plywood, and firewood.
Geographic Origin
Northern North America, ranging from Alaska to Newfoundland and south to the Great Lakes region and Pennsylvania.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$3.00 - $6.00 per board foot (lumber grade); significantly lower for raw fuel wood.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to 1 year; the bark suggests a young to middle-aged limb/trunk, while the surface mold indicates it has been sitting in a damp environment for several months.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well but is prone to rot if not dried quickly. Its softness makes it excellent for turning and carving.
Notable Features
Distinctive white papery bark (seen on edge). The wood itself is relatively tasteless and odorless. The black spotting is spalting, which can be prized by woodturners but indicates the beginning of structural decay.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer to prevent further moisture ingress. If used for turnings, a simple wax or oil finish highlights the grain, though a sanding sealer is recommended to manage the porous end grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the thin white/copper peeling bark, the diffuse-porous end grain structure, and the characteristic black fungal spotting (spalting) is highly diagnostic for Birch species in North America.