Yellow Birch

Scientific Name: Betula alleghaniensis

Other Common Names: Golden Birch, Hard Birch

Yellow Birch, grown in the Appalachian region, has a pale cream to light brown heartwood with a subtle golden hue. Known for its close, even grain and moderate hardness, Yellow Birch machines well and finishes to a smooth surface. Its consistent texture and good strength make it a dependable choice for both practical and decorative applications.

Available in various grades, Yellow Birch offers flexibility for projects ranging from high-end cabinetry to everyday furniture. Its stable pricing and reliable supply ensure that it remains a staple for manufacturers.

View Grades

Machining

Sanding

Finishing

Gluing

Fastening

Screwing/Nailing

Machining

Sanding

Finishing

Gluing

Fastening

Screwing/Nailing

Quick Fact:

Yellow Birch gets its name from the slight golden tint of its bark, which often peels in thin, curly strips—giving it a distinctive, almost shimmering appearance in the forest.

What’s Yellow Birch Used For?

Furniture
Cabinetry
Flooring
Millwork
Mouldings
Turned Items
Veneer

Why Yellow Birch?

Smooth, close-grained texture
Moderate hardness and good durability
Machines and sands easily
Takes stains and finishes well
Consistent color and grain suitable for refined aesthetics

NWH Appalachian is available as PEFC certified, FSC Mix Credit, FSC Controlled Wood or PEFC Controlled Sources.

How Does Yellow Birch Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?

Lumber (12 % moisture content)	Machining	Sanding	Finishing	Gluing	Fastening/ Nailing/ Screwing	Weight per bdft	Specific Gravity (Density)	Hardness (Janka)	Bending Strength (MOR)	Bending Stiffness (MOE)	Dimensional Movement (Shrinkage) R (%)	Dimensional Movement (Shrinkage) T (%)
Alder	10	10	10	9	7	2.45	.41	590	9,800	1,380	4.4	7.3
Ash	9	10	9	8	6	3.56	.61	1,320	15,000	1,740	4.9	7.8
Basswood	10	10	9	8	8	2.50	.37	410	8,700	1,460	6.6	9.3
Beech	8	8	10	8	8	3.69	.64	1,260	14,900	1,720	5.5	11.9
Cherry	10	9	10	9	7	3.07	.52	950	12,300	1,490	3.7	7.1
Hickory	3	7	7	3	3	4.14	.67	1,820	13,700	1,730	4.9	8.9
Hard Maple	9	8	10	9	4	3.73	.64	1,450	15,800	1,830	4.8	9.9
PC Maple	9	9	10	9	5	2.74	.50	850	10,700	1,450	3.7	7.1
Soft Maple	8	9	10	9	5	3.19	.55	950	13,400	1,640	4.0	8.2
Red Oak (Northern)	10	10	9	9	7	3.64	.63	1,220	14,380	1,761	4.0	8.6
Oregon White Oak	9	9	9	8	8	4.34	.72	1,640	10,200	1,090	4.2	9.0
White Oak (Eastern)	9	10	9	7	7	3.94	.68	1,350	14,380	1,762	4.4	8.8
Poplar	9	8	10	9	6	2.81	.43	540	10,100	1,580	4.6	8.2
Walnut	9	8	9	7	7	3.36	.56	1,010	14,600	1,680	5.5	7.8
Yellow Birch	10	8	10	8	2	3.53	.62	1,260	16,600	2,010	7.3	9.5

Grades Available

Tailored for Appalachian hardwoods, NWH’s proprietary grades focus on structural integrity and dimensional consistency—helping you optimize yield, cutting efficiency, and overall value.

3 Grades Available