Birch is a hard, close grain, even texture wood with a smooth, delicate grain pattern. One characteristic of birch is that areas of "short grain" will be present throughout. Birch will also reveal mineral streaks absorb stain differently from the rest of the wood which will create areas of contrast. These characteristics are a natural part of the wood and are not considered defects. Birch has an attractive light colored sapwood particularly popular with light colored stains.