Birch

Betula alba

Trade Names

Birch

Similar Woods

Hard Maple, Yellow Birch (Betula lutea)

Origin

Europe and Asia up to about latitude 65° north.

Range

Important stands for the veneer industry in Finland and to some extent in Sweden. There are large occurrences in Russia. Only pure stands occur in these countries whereas in Central European forests Birch trees are found standing scattered or in groups.

Uses

Greater signi cance as peeled Birch for furniture and panel industries (popular wood for bedrooms in the fifties). Also used for table and chair production. Very popular in Germany for burning in open fire places. In larger dimensions (seldom) also produced as sliced Birch. Most sliced Birch is “Yellow Birch” from the USA.

Properties

The color is yellowish white but the logs often have brown hearts when mature. Birch wood has a low resistance to weather and is very susceptible to fungi and insect attack. Really clean logs, free of defects, are seldom found. Figured wood is frequent, much in demand sold as Ice Birch.

Machining

Birch machines easily and well with all tools. Planed surfaces are very smooth.

Seasoning

Birch must be dried very carefully and slowly because of its tendency to check and warp.

Finishing

Because of its texture Birch is very suitable for staining and applying glossy nishes. All usual surface nishes present no dif culty in application.

Jointing

Birch takes well to glue and the joints hold well. Screw and nail joints should be pre-drilled.
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