Potential of utilizing small-dimensioned roundwood birch

• In Nordic countries, birch wood has gained interest in furniture and interior applications due to its very unique aesthetic qualities. A significant share (33%) of the small-dimensioned (diameter at breast-height smaller than 9 cm) standing tree volumes in the Swedish productive forest land consists of silver and downy birch (Betula pendula and Betula pubescens). In today’s forest industry, the small-dimensioned material from pre-commercial thinning operations of birch and Norway spruce mixed forests is normally left in the forest if not used as fire-wood. For the furniture industries these fractions may be a new source of raw materials’ supply. However, a proper utilization of this material requires a better knowledge of its properties. This paper presents a review on the utilization aspects of solid wood from small-dimensioned timber as well as some useful concepts for successful material selection in product design. Therefore, based on customer requirement concepts, it is analyzed which wood material properties are important for furniture or joinery applications from hardwoods and how small-dimensioned roundwood birch could meet the requirements. Proposals are made for future research needed to fully explore the potential of using small-dimensioned roundwood birch for furniture applications.

Subject headings

LANTBRUKSVETENSKAPER  -- Lantbruksvetenskap, skogsbruk och fiske -- Trävetenskap (hsv//swe)

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES  -- Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries -- Wood Science (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Betula pubescens

Betula pendula

customer requirements

wood properties

furniture applications

Forestry and Wood Technology

Skog och träteknik

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)