Yellow Birch
Betula alleghaniensis
Genus: Betula · Family: Betulaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
43 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,260 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
Light Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Yellow Birch is harder than 49% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Medium
Overview
Professional Summary
Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) is the most commercially important birch species in North America. With a Janka hardness of 1,260 lbf and fine, even texture, it's widely used for cabinetry, flooring, and veneer. Its light reddish-brown color and subtle figure make it an excellent choice for contemporary and traditional furniture.
In Plain English
Yellow Birch is a classic American hardwood with a warm, light-brown color and subtle golden tones. It's strong, machines beautifully, and is widely used for cabinets, furniture, and flooring. A great all-around domestic hardwood at a reasonable price.
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
Excellent for cabinetry, furniture, flooring, veneer, and turned objects. Widely used in plywood face veneers.
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.
Not naturally durable outdoors. Sapwood and heartwood color difference can be pronounced — sort boards if uniform color is needed.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar light brown color that are easily confused with Yellow Birch. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Texture: Fine to medium
- • Softer (Janka 830 lbf)
- • Lighter (35 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Softer (Janka 850 lbf)
- • Lighter (34 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Harder (Janka 2,335 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
