My neighbor is cutting down a large birch tree, and I'm curious if it's worth milling the wood. I've heard a lot about Baltic birch plywood, which I can't create since I'm not equipped like a plywood factory, but I could potentially make a few boards and dry them myself. I'm looking for insights on whether birch is a nice wood to work with, its unique advantages, how it looks when finished, and if it's rare enough in larger sizes to justify the effort. If the tree comes down, I might also have the opportunity to have it slabbed for bigger boards. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
If the trunks are nice and straight, I'd say definitely go for it! It's a solid choice for woodworking and could yield some great boards.
Absolutely, some birch trees have beautiful grain patterns that can look stunning when finished—like flames! Just remember, milling and drying birch takes time, often years, and it can take up a lot of space, so be prepared for that. Financially, it might not pay off, but if you enjoy the process, go for it!
Birch is a great wood to work with! It's softer than maple and has a similar aesthetic. Just make sure to check if the tree is hollow. And when you mill it, be cautious about drying and storing it properly to avoid rot. Keep it off the ground, stack it well, and cover it to protect from rain.