Paper Birch (or White Birch)
Betula papyrifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northern North America, across Canada and the northern United States.
- Hardness
- 910 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light reddish-brown sapwood with little visible distinction from the heartwood. Low natural luster, tends to yellow slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
910 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, typically ranging from $2.00 to $4.00 per board foot for lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut log (recently harvested, living tree within the last several months).
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, abundant and widely distributed with good availability.
Common Uses
Plywood, turned objects, spools, bobs, toys, interior cabinetry, and pulpwood.
Geographic Origin
Northern North America, across Canada and the northern United States.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily during routing or sawing due to friction. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well; water or oil-based polyurethanes, lacquers, and varnishes produce a smooth, clean look.
Notable Features
Characterized by its distinctive papery, white bark covered with lenticels and often colonized by lichen in natural outdoor settings.
