The hardwood heritage of birch

Canadian species. It also grows in northern and western U.S. regions, serving several industrial markets.

In veneer form, the sapwood of rotary-cut birch is sold separately as "selected white," and the heartwood as "selected red." Most of the birch output, however, is simply called "natural birch," having a wide variety of color combinations, and with character markings retained for consumer appeal.

It features pale, reddish-brown heartwood, with creamy white sapwood. Because of the distinct color difference, some users specify sap birch (all sap or white wood cuttings) or red birch (all heartwood cuttings). Yet the wood is typically sold unselected, and when stained, it does not show a marked difference between heartwood and sapwood.

It is a dense, close-grained wood with a distinct but not prominent pattern. Sometimes birch shows very small pin knots and often shiny burl wood. Quarter-sawing produces a straight, fine-grain configuration, rotary-cutting creates a swirl figure.

Yellow birch is relatively heavy (avg. 43 lbs. per cu. ft.), hard (avg. specific gravity 0.55), strong, stiff, with high shock resistance. It is about the weight of oak, and compares favorablv with ash for toushness and other strength properties.

The versatile wood takes paint and varnish well. Shrinkage is relatively high and slow, careful seasoning is required to prevent checking and warping. It is low in decay resistance, liable to attack by common furniture beetles and moderately resistant to preservative treatment, with the sapwood permeable.

The wood works fairly easily, but is more readily shaped by machine than hand tools. It has only a moderate dulling effect on cutters and finishes smoothly if straight grained. The cutting angle should be reduced to 15" on curly grained material or disturbed grain around knots. It nails well, glues well with care and takes stain and varnish extremely well. Its uniform. dense surface is free from large groups of pores, ensuring a permanent smooth finish.

Birch has long been used in kitchen cabinets and other carpentry for the home and office. Its fine grain pattern and excellent working qualities also suit many woodworking projects. Other uses include paneling, intricately turned posts, table, chair and desk legs, doors, floors, boxes, baskets, crates, woodenware, spools, bobbins. handles and brush backs.

It is average priced and readily available in both veneer and lumber.

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