SCANDINAVIAN WHITE BIRCH: G
This is a very versatile and competitively priced timber which is available in mainly 3 sides clear in 25mm x 100mm, 125mm and 150mm widths only. Samples D, E, F are typical of the clear sides while G and H show the type of knot or colour which can occur on the reverse of a board or on one edge.

Production: S/E, S/E PTW, DIM.

Betula pendula B. alba B.odorata
Family: Betulaceae

Commercial names: English, Finnish, Swedish, Russian Birch according to origin. Also masur, ice flame etc., according to figure displayed.

Distribution: Throughout Europe, UK, Scandinavia and Russia.

General description: Cream-white to biscuit in colour, it is straight grained, fine textured and lustrous. Flame and curly Birch, ice Birch etc., is caused by grain deviations. Masur Birch is caused by the larvae of the agromyzia carbonaria beetle attacking the cambium, causing pith flecks, resulting in a highly decorative, flecked and swirling figure. The weight varies from 600-700 kg/m3 (37-43 lb/ft3), average about 660 kg/m3 (41lb/ft3); specific gravity .66.

Mechanical properties: Has good steam bending properties, but is not tolerant of pin knots. It has high bending and crushing strength with medium stiffness and resistance to shock loads.

Seasoning: Liable to fungal attack so must be dried very rapidly; there is a tendency to distort. Small movement in service.

Working properties: Works without difficulty with hand and power tools, but inclined to be woolly. To prevent tearing when planing cross grained material or around knots, reduce the cutting angle to 15°. There is a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Pre-bore for nailing near edges with irregular grain. Glues well and can be stained and polished to a good finish.

Durability: The wood is perishable and subject to attack by common furniture beetle. It is moderately resistant to preservative treatment, but the sapwood is permeable.

Uses: High-class joinery, furniture drawer sides, legs and framing, cabinet interior fitments, upholstery framing, dowels, bobbins, brushes, brooms, general turnery and flooring. It is the principle wood used for plywood in Finland and Russia. Highly prized decorative veneers for panelling and marquetry. Impregnated for posts. Also used for ice cream spoons etc.

JBT Comments: The majority of White Birch being imported into the U.K. is 26mm and 32mm shipping dry, merchantable grade, packaged to width and used for stuff-over furniture frames. The stock we are importing is prime quality kiln dried, packaged to 100mm, 125mm, and 150mm widths, with 100mm and 125mm making up 80% of each shipment. We do not offer selected 150mm only widths. This is very clear material which can be stained as a competitively priced substitute for more expensive timbers such as American Hard Maple.

Grade: First Quality

Specification: Square edge; 1.8 metres and longer up to 3.3 metres packaged to width in 100mm, 125mm and 150mm.

Stockholding: 1,000 cubic feet in kiln dried 26mm stock.