Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a medium to coarse texture; lacks distinctive figure but may show slight ripple when quartersawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is pale white to oatmeal-colored, sometimes with a pinkish cast. It does not darken significantly with age but may develop a grayish patina if left untreated outdoors.
Hardness Rating
100 lbf (Extremely Soft) - The softest commercial hardwood.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attacks (especially powderpost beetles) if not treated or kept dry.
Common Uses
Model building (airplanes/boats), wind turbine core components, thermal insulation, surfboards, film-set breakable props, and flotation devices.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico through Central and South America; largely commercially grown in plantations in Ecuador.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 to $10.00 per board foot, though usually sold in small hobbyist quantities at higher relative margins.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut/Green; the log retains its bark and is surrounded by fresh foliage, suggesting it was felled within the last few days or weeks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered highly sustainable due to rapid growth cycles (harvested in 6-10 years).
Workability
Very easy to cut with hand tools but tends to compress rather than slice if blades aren't extremely sharp. Glues exceptionally well; poor nail/screw holding strength due to low density.
Notable Features
Extremely low density and high buoyancy; one of the lightest woods in the world. Its cellular structure is large and fluid-filled in the living tree, making it very heavy until dried.
Finish Recommendations
Requires sanding with very fine grit to avoid fuzzing. Accepts sanding sealers, lacquers, and dopes (in modeling), but absorbs large amounts of finish due to high porosity.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The smooth, light-colored grayish bark, the diameter-to-growth ratio, and the surrounding tropical 'pioneer species' foliage (large, broad green leaves) are classic indicators of Ochroma.