Trade Names
Yellow Birch, American Birch, Sliced Birch
Latin Names
Betula alleghaniensis, Betula lutea
Similar to
Hard Maple, Sycamore, Finish Birch
Origin
Canada, USA
Range
North Eastern parts of the USA from Maine through the New England States to Wisconsin as well as in the south-east of Canada in Ontario and Quebec. Large occurrences ensuring a constant supply with veneers in big quantities. The tree can reach a height of 30 m and a diameter up to 60 cm. It develops a brown heart which can reach up to 90 % of the diameter. For the veneer production, however, only those logs with small hearts are of interest. Only in particular cases, logs with big hearts are produced to veneers as “Red Birch”. The name “Yellow Birch” does not originate from the rather white colour of the wood but from the straw-coloured bark.
Uses
Frequently used veneers by the furniture industry. Despite the light colour, the annual rings are strongly and distinctly marked which leads to an even but still elegantly structured colour after surface treatment. Also popular in the USA as lumber used in furniture and chair productions.
Properties
It is especially valued as wood for sports equipment, hammers of musical instruments and for shuttles used in the weaving process. Light, almost white respectively cream-coloured and decorative wood.
Machining
Yellow Birch can easily be worked with all mechanic tools
Seasoning
Must be dried very carefully and slowly as it is greatly prone to check and warp.
Finishing
All stains and varnishes take very well.
Jointing
Problem-free.