Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight or slightly wavy with a fine, even texture. The image shows a flat-sawn orientation with subtle grain transitions typical of Birch species.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light reddish brown with nearly white sapwood. This specific sample has been stained to a dark walnut or espresso tone, masking the natural high luster and chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Perishable; non-durable to slightly durable regarding decay resistance. Susceptible to insect attack if left untreated.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior doors, plywood, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America, ranging from South Carolina to Hudson Bay.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00-$9.00 per board foot for select grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on the furniture styling (raised panel), finishwear, and accumulation of surface scratches and oxidation of the topcoat.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can cause some tearout during planing if grain is figured. Glues and finishes well, though it can be prone to blotching when stained.
Notable Features
Closed-pore structure makes it excellent for paint or heavy stains. It has no characteristic odor and is known for being a heavy, strong, and shock-resistant wood.
Finish Recommendations
For this existing dark finish, a wipe-on poly or gel stain is recommended for touch-ups. For raw wood, a pre-stain conditioner is vital to prevent blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The tight, diffuse-porous grain structure and the way the wood has accepted the dark stain (with some minor blotchiness) are highly characteristic of Birch or Soft Maple, with Birch being more common in this style of millwork.