This study based on literature and restricted interviews of forest products companies is a compilation of current knowledge concerning utilisation of the wood of birch species growing in Finland, silver birch (Betula pendula) and pubescent birch (B. pubescens), for saw milling and further related processing. As the basis for this, the properties (morphological, anatomical, physical, mechanical and chemical) of birch wood are presented as well as the effects of cultivation and how growing conditions affect these properties. The issues cover resources and use of large- and small-dimensioned birch, current and potential importance of birch for saw milling as well as for furniture and joinery industries, quality and specifi c properties of birch timber for sawing and processing for special purposes, principles and methods of grading the quality of wood, how to improve and control quality, timber procurement, primary processing, machining and surfacing as well as semi- and end-products. Based on the available data, the principal needs for research and develop.