What Is Birch Wood?

Birch tree

Birch wood is a commonly available hardwood and it is used to make a wide variety of commercially available products. Birch trees grow all over the world.

Tree

Birch wood comes from the birch tree. There are more than 50 species of birch tree. Commercially available birch wood in North America is commonly from the paper birch and yellow birch trees.

Appearance

Generally, birch wood has a creamy colored sap wood and golden brown heart stock. Yellow birch tends to be more golden in color than paper birch, which is paler. Some species have a rippled or curved grain.

Qualities

Birch wood, when dried and treated, is strong and hardwearing. Birch readily accepts stains and is easier to finish than many other hardwoods.

Value

Birch is considered one of the better quality hardwoods, but is one of the least expensive in this group.

Uses

Birch wood is used to make many commonly available products. These include toothpicks, furniture, toys and kitchen cabinets.

References

• Wood Guide: Birch
• Hardwood Information