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.
No Pilot Hole
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.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Millwork
- Mouldings
- Turned Items
- Veneer
- 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.
Grades Available
- Interior Trim
- Boxes/Crates
- Plywood
- Small Specialty Items
- Interior Trim
- Boxes/Crates
- Blocking Material
- Small Cabinet Pieces
- Interior Trim
- Boxes/Crates
- Small Cabinet Pieces
How Does Yellow Birch Compare To Other North American Hardwood Species?
| Lumber (12 % moisture content) | Machining | Sanding | Finishing | Gluing | Nailing/ Screwing (No Pilot Hole) | Weight per bdft | Specific Gravity (Density) | Hardness (Janka) | Bending Strength (MOR) | Bending Stiffness (million psi) (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 |
