Specs
- Common Names
- Birch
- Scientific Name
- Betula spp.
- Origin
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Appearance
- Birch heartwood ranges from pale yellow to reddish-brown. It often features creamy white or light brown sapwood. The grain is typically straight, but it can also be wavy or curly. The wood has a fine to medium texture and a low natural luster.
- Avg. Dried Weight
- 42-49 lbs/ft3 (670-780 kg/m3)
- Janka Hardness
- 1260 lbf
- Modulus of Rupture
- 14,500 lbf/in2 (100.0 MPa)
- Elastic Modulus
- 1,670,000 lbf/in2 (11.52 GPa)
- Crushing Strength
- 7,680 lbf/in2 (53.0 MPa)
- Shrinkage
- Radial: 4.5%, Tangential: 8.9%, Volumetric: 13.4%, T/R Ratio: 2.0
- Durability
- Rated as perishable, susceptible to decay and insect attacks.
- Workability
- Birch wood is generally easy to work with. It has good machining properties and it turns, glues, and finishes well. It responds well to steam bending. The wood may require filling for open-pored finishes to achieve a smooth surface. It can be stained, polished, and painted to achieve desired results.
