Difficult to work, but has been used extensively for turning, carving and furniture. Durable underwater and used for small dams and shipbuilding. Easy to light, but quick burning. Gives great heat with a characteristic smell. If uses constantly a gum deposit will build up in the chimney which can be flammable.
Charcoal is excellent, and was widely used for iron smelting.
Smoke used in Scotland for smoking herrings. The high proportion of pitch in the bark, make rolled pieces a useful fire lighting tool. Wine from birch sap, The bark can be sewn and makes good containers. It can also be used in tanning and as insulation. It has been used in Europe and Asia for roofing shingles.