
Sweet Birch
Betula lenta
Genus: Betula · Family: Betulaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
44 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,470 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
Reddish Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Common in U.S.
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Sweet Birch is harder than 60% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Hard
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
AI-powered alternative species matching
You Might Also Consider
Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar reddish brown color that are easily confused with Sweet Birch. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Harder (Janka 1,750 lbf)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Softer (Janka 1,070 lbf)
- • Lighter (37 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Moderately Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Softer (Janka 1,220 lbf)
- • Lighter (40 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Moderately Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 2,430 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse




