 Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
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Common Name(s): Silver Birch Scientific Name: Betula pendula Distribution: Europe and southwest Asia Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 41 lbs/ft3 (660 kg/m3) Hardness: 1,210 lbf (5,360 N) Rupture Strength: 16,570 lbf/in2 (114,290 kPa) Elastic Strength: 2,024,000 lbf/in2 (13,960 MPa) Crushing Strength: – lbf/in2 (- MPa) Shrinkage: No data available |
Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be a light reddish brown, with nearly white sapwood. Occasionally figured pieces are available with a wide, shallow curl similar to the curl found in Cherry. There is virtually no color distinction between annual growth rings, giving Birch a somewhat dull, uniform appearance.
Grain/Pore: Grain is generally straight or slightly wavy. Pores are closed, with a fine, even texture
Durability: Birch is perishable, and will readily rot and decay if exposed to the elements. The wood is also susceptible to insect attack.
Workability: Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though boards with wild grain can cause grain tearout during machining operations. Turns, glues, and finishes well.
Scent: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.
Safety: Birch in the Betula genus has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include skin and respiratory irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Price/Availability: Likely to be rather economical in most instances. Figured boards can be more expensive, but normally plain birch lumber is in the same price range as maple or oak.
Comments: Birch is one of the most widely used woods for veneer and plywood worldwide. Besides regular sheets of plywood, Birch veneer is also used for doors, furniture, and paneling.
Some other common uses for Birch include: boxes, crates, turned objects, interior trim, and other small specialty wood items.
Scans/Pictures: A special thanks to Steve Earis for providing the wood sample of this wood species.
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Silver Birch (sanded) |
 Silver Birch (sealed) |
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