Colour/Appearance:

Heartwood tends to be a light reddish brown, with nearly white sapwood. Occasionally figured pieces are available with a wide, shallow curl similar to the curl found in cherry wood.

Grain/Texture:

Grain is generally straight or slightly wavy, with a fine, even texture.

Rot Resistance:

Birch is perishable, and will readily rot and decay if exposed to the elements. The wood is also susceptible to insect attack. Proper heat & chemical treatment is advisable.

Workability:

Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though boards with wild grain can cause grain tearout during machining operations. Turns, glues, and finishes well.

Odor:

No characteristic odor.

Sustainability:

This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses:

Plywood, boxes, crates, turned objects, interior trim, and other small specialty wood items.