Handling & safety. Reported sensitizer in some individuals (wood dust); typical precautions recommended
Properties
| Latin name | Betula alleghaniensis |
|---|---|
| Species type | Hardwood |
| Origin | Northeastern North America (Canada and NE United States) |
| Density | 689 kg/m³ |
| Janka hardness | 5,600 N |
| Modulus of rupture | 114.5 MPa |
| Elastic modulus | 13.9 GPa |
| Crushing strength | 55 MPa |
| Specific gravity | 0.69 |
| Porosity | Diffuse-porous |
| Tangential shrinkage | 9.5% |
| Radial shrinkage | 7.3% |
| Volumetric shrinkage | 13.4% |
| T/R ratio | 1.3 |
| Durability (EN 350) | Class 5 |
Density and mechanical properties are typical values at around 12% moisture content. Shrinkage figures represent total dimensional change from fibre saturation to oven dry. Individual boards vary.
Description
Anatomy
- Porosity: Diffuse-Porous
- Vessel Arrangement: Pores in radial multiples; diffuse-porous (typical birch pattern)
- Vessel Description: Small-to-medium pores; numerous; fairly uniform
- Parenchyma: Marginal parenchyma; sometimes diffuse-in-aggregates (subtle)
- Rays: Narrow rays; fairly close spacing
Durability
- Durability Class: Class 5 — Perishable
Non-durable to perishable outdoors; best for interior use unless treated
Odor
No characteristic odor (sometimes faint wintergreen scent in bark/twigs)
Uses & Availability
Common Uses
Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, veneer, plywood, turned objects, tool handles
Pricing & Availability
Common commercial hardwood in North America; generally moderately priced and widely available
Conservation
- CITES Status: Unlisted
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
Lookalikes & Substitutes
Paper birch and sweet birch can look similar; maple as a substitute in appearance
Additional Sources
The Wood Database; USDA Silvics/FEIS (species accounts); sawmill/lumber technical datasheets
Working the timber
Generally machines well; can burn with dull cutters; turns and glues well; takes stain/finish well (may blotch—use conditioner)
Finishing & gluing
Accepts most finishes well; consider pre-stain conditioner for even staining
Gluing generally good; clamp well due to density