Birch

Scientific Name: Betula spp.

Other Names and Species: The type of birch most
commonly used for wood flooring is yellow birch (betula
alleghaniensis). However, sweet birch (betula lenta) and
paper birch (betula papyrifera) are also frequently used
for this purpose.

Sweet birch is sometimes called "black birch" or "cherry birch." Paper birch also goes by the names "white birch," "canoe birch," and "silver birch."

Origin: North America

Appearance: The sapwood of yellow birch ranges from pale white to creamy yellow, while the heartwood tends to be a light-reddish brown with a red tinge. By contrast, the sapwood of sweet birch is light-colored, whereas the heartwood is dark brown with a red tinge. Birch wood has an even texture with a straight, closed grain. Occasionally, boards may show curliness in the grain as well as some wavy figuring. It is among the most featureless of all North American hardwoods; but with its natural, pleasing figure, it makes for very attractive furniture and flooring. Birch has a small degree of luster, making it seem almost dull in appearance.

Properties: Birch is a very heavy, strong, durable wood. It is hard and stiff, with excellent shock-resistance.

Workability: With its good machining qualities, birch wood sands satisfactorily and has excellent holding ability when nailed.

Principal Uses: In addition to wood flooring, birch is commonly used in furniture, veneers, interior finishing, windowsills, cutting surfaces, drumsticks, violin bows, and wooden novelties.