Paper Birch is often planted as an ornamental in California where it rarely thrives. It is particularly susceptible to termites and post boring Beatles which do happen to thrive in California. The Birch that I have was harvested as a standing dead tree and dried in the round. When I cut into it I discovered that it was spalted. Spalting is something that happens when a tree sustains an injury and part of it dies allowing a fungus to take up residency. The colors that often result from the fungus and, or water damage can be spectacular and unpredictable. The patterns that are in this birch make it a prime candidate for oyster veneer. Oyster veneer is made by cutting perpendicular to the log so that the annular rings are displayed as circles or ovals in the veneer. This particular log will produce enough veneer to do a mosaic pattern on a very large table or several smaller ones. I think it would be perfect for a Biedermeier inspired piece.
©Robin Corell 2005