Yellow Birch is the official tree of Quebec, Canada and is considered a domestic hardwood. The wood carries a wide range of colors, which makes the wood unique. The heartwood ranges in color from light to dark golden-brown and light reddish-brown. Yellow Birch is a closed grain wood with an even texture. Yellow birch’s main appeal is that it holds glue, plus takes stains and polishes extremely well. A soft wood that is lighter then most hardwoods, this wood can sometimes be mistaken for maple.

It’s among the most featureless of all North American hardwoods. Yellow Birch has a small degree of luster, making it seem almost dull in appearance. In addition to wood flooring, Yellow Birch is commonly used in furniture, veneers, interior finishing, windowsills, cutting surfaces, drumsticks, violin bows, and wooden novelties. It is readily available, and is priced moderately for just about any American home.

Specs?
Appearance: has a light yellow or pale appearance.

Grain: closed.

Characteristics: strong and durable.

Janka Hardness: 1260

Quick Facts...

• Yellow Birch is the official tree of Quebec, Canada.
• It is often mistaken for maple.
• See its ranking on the Janka Scale.

General Guidelines to Keep Your Hardwood Flooring in Great Shape

Keeping your hardwood floors looking great is essential since hardwood is one of the most expensive floor types around. Simple steps can prolong the life of your hardwood floor, regardless of the type you may have. Here are some tricks that will keep your hardwood floor looking new:

• Close curtains and blinds- UV rays from sunlight can fade colors on floor and sometimes cause discoloration
• Place floor protectors under furniture
• Clean, wipe or blot spills immediately to help prevent stains.
• Place doormats at every door- this helps to trap dirt at the doorway instead of transferring it to the floor inside the home. The coco mat, featured on QVC, traps all types of particles such as dust, mud, snow and can be used for the front door, patio or even the garage.
• Take care when moving heavy objects like furniture and equipment- utilize furniture coaters to transport heavy objects across floors.
• Dust and vacuum floors regularly to maximize beauty and decrease buildup of debris
• Exercise caution when using bleaches, mildew removers, oven cleaners, drain openers and plant food as these contain strong chemicals that can discolor floors.
• Always follow your manufacturer’s guidelines on products that are safe for your hardwood floor type.
• Rearrange area rugs occasionally as they block sunlight causing a discolored appearance under the rug.
• Avoid exposure to water on hardwoods.
• Maintain normal humidity of 40-60% throughout all seasons of the year to reduce the natural expansion and contraction process typically found in hardwoods. Humidity levels can be maintained with air conditioners, humidifiers, de-humidifiers or with a heating system.
• Keep pets nails trimmed and filed and remove stiletto style heels to minimize scratches.
• Never clean hardwood floors with steel wools or scouring powders as these can cause damage.