Finishing birch
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Q: We are seeing differences in the way that yellow birch and white birch finish; that is, they do not look the same after finishing. Can you shed some light on this?

A: White birch and yellow birch are in the same genus, but are different species. White birch is about 12 percent lighter than yellow birch. When a wood is lighter weight, it is generally because the wood is more porous, which will be noted especially on the end grain. But this slight increase in porosity would not greatly affect finishing.

White birch sapwood is creamy white colored while yellow birch has some pale yellow tones in the white sapwood. Perhaps the difference you see is a result of this slight color difference.

However, it is my guess that the differences that you are seeing is because of processing differences, and not because of inherent differences within the wood itself. Here are three items to check.

1. If the yellow birch is at a higher MC than the white birch, the yellow birch will not be as absorptive. (If yellow birch and white birch are dried in the same kiln load, it would be likely that the white birch would be over-dried unless special precautions were taken.)

2. If dried by two different suppliers, it is possible that one supplier is using higher kiln temperatures than the other. Heat reduces absorptivity and darkens the color of the wood. Such color changes are usually not seen until the wood is finished.

3. Because of the higher density, the yellow birch may be burnished more by the planer knives, sandpaper or other tools, especially if dull knives, dull sandpaper or carbide knives are used.

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About the author
Gene Wengert

Gene Wengert, “The Wood Doctor” has been training people in efficient use of wood for 45 years. He is extension specialist emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.