Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, with an open and coarse texture. Its grain is remarkably consistent and lacks significant figure or variation in this orientation.
Color Description
Pale cream to oatmeal color with a silky luster. Heartwood is typically indistinguishable from sapwood in younger trees. It shows very little color change with age, though it may take on a grayish tint if left unfinished and exposed to UV.
Hardness Rating
100 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack if not kept dry. It is one of the most perishable woods available.
Common Uses
Model building (airplanes, bridges), insulation, buoyancy applications, surfboards (core), theater props (breakaway furniture), and high-end core material for sandwich composites in wind turbines and boats.
Geographic Origin
Native to southern Mexico and South America, with the majority of commercial supply originating from plantations in Ecuador.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on density and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears new; the light color and lack of surface oxidation or deep wear patterns suggest it is recently processed mill stock (less than 1-2 years old).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered a sustainable and fast-growing plantation crop.
Workability
Easily worked with very sharp hand tools or high-speed machinery. However, due to its extreme softness, it tends to crush or tear rather than cut if blades are even slightly dull. It glues and stains well but is too porous for traditional nailing/screwing.
Notable Features
Extremely low density (the lightest commercial hardwood); possesses high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. It has virtually no scent.
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer or grain filler is often used first due to high porosity. It accepts thin coats of lacquer or light polyurethane well, though it is often used unfinished in modeling applications.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the off-white color, distinctively open and fuzzy texture, visible light-colored rays, and the specific checking pattern (cracks) is characteristic of Ochroma pyramidale.