Birch

Birch Hardwood Lumber Details

Overview:

Birch lumber is a strong, heavy hardwood with a fine, uniform texture and generally straight grain. Its color ranges from pale yellowish-white sapwood to light reddish brown heartwood, offering a warm, subtle aesthetic that finishes to a smooth surface.

Workability:

Birch is more robust and harder than species like basswood, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking tasks. It machines well, sands smoothly, and accepts stains or clear finishes beautifully. Due to its hardness, power tools are typically preferred for shaping, and sharp cutting edges help maintain clean work.

Typical Uses:

Highly versatile, birch is widely used in cabinetry, furniture, paneling, interior trim, and woodworking projects where both strength and a refined appearance are important. It also serves well in mouldings and other architectural millwork.

Characteristics at a Glance:

Color: Light creamy to pale brown with occasional reddish hues
Texture: Fine and uniform
Grain: Straight, sometimes with wavy or curly figure
Strength: Hard and strong with good shock resistance
Finish: Responds well to staining and polishing