Birch

Technical species specifications for Birch Hardwood Flooring from Fantastic Floor – Discount Exotic and Domestic Hardwood Flooring, Prefinished Solid Flooring, Unfinished Solid Flooring and Engineered Flooring.

Description

Birch has a long history of usage in the Americas because of its availability and durability. Native Americans used birch bark to cover canoe frames and as arrow shafts. Birch hardwood flooring can be found in many historic New England homes. Birch heartwood color can vary from light reddish brown to dark brown with red tinges. The sapwood can be white to light colored. Birch has a fine, uniform texture and a straight grain.

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Scientific Name, Other Names:

Betula alleghaniensis, Yellow Birch, Sweet Birch, Paper Birch, American Birch, Hard Birch, Silver Birch, Black Birch, Cherry Birch, Canoe Birch

About:

Birch hardwood is a good choice for flooring because of its physical characteristics and it’s workability. Birch hardwood flooring also tends to be economical in comparison to other species. Fantastic Floor offers Birch hardwood flooring from 1/2″ to 3/4″ thick, 2 1/4″ to 6 1/2″ wide, and up to 7′ long. Birch hardwood flooring is available prefinished and unfinished in both solid and engineered flooring formats.

Applications:

Birch hardwood flooring, cabinetry, furniture, decorative veneers, paneling. Please note, unfinished Birch hardwood flooring is sold in open, strapped bundles and not sold in boxes. Prefinished solid Birch hardwood flooring and prefinished engineered Birch hardwood flooring are sold in boxes. Birch Flooring must be purchased in full bundles and boxes; bundle and box sizes may vary.

Janka Hardness:

1,260 pounds

Strength (MOR):

15,600 psi

Stiffness (MOE):

950 1000 psi

Density (KG/m3):

670

Tangential Shrinkage:

9.0 %

Radial Shrinkage:

6.5 %

Family:

Betulaceae

Tree Characteristics:

The Birch tree can reach a height of 70 feet and a diameter of up to 2 feet.

Geographic Area:

Birch trees grow across North America, principally in the Northern and Lake States of the United States. Birch trees are found on mud flats near estuaries and coasts, swamps, and river banks.

Color:

Birch heartwood is light reddish brown to dark brown with red tinges. Birch sapwood is light colored to white.

Photosensitivity:

Birch hardwood flooring is not light sensitive.

Luster:

Raw Birch hardwood has a low natural luster. Prefinished Birch hardwood flooring typically has a satin to semi-gloss finish.

Grain:

Birch hardwood has a straight, closed grain with occasional curliness as well as some wavy figuring.

Texture:

Birch hardwood has a fine, even texture. Birch hardwood flooring comes in a variety of surface treatments including smooth, distressed, and handscraped.

Drying Characteristics:

Birch hardwood is moderately difficult to dry. It is best to acclimate solid Birch hardwood flooring for 2 weeks and engineered Birch hardwood flooring for 1 week prior to installation.

Working Characteristics:

Birch hardwood is fairly easy to work with. When installing Birch hardwood flooring it is best to keep the home’s relative humidity levels between 35% to 50%, before, during, and after installation.

Durability Rating:

Raw Birch hardwood will readily rot and decay if exposed to the elements. On the other hand, Birch hardwood is very heavy, strong, and durable. Birch wood is hard and stiff with excellent shock resistance.