Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with a medium to coarse texture; open-pored appearance with visible fuzziness in the raw state.
Color Description
Pale white to oatmeal or yellowish-tan; light-colored sapwood is typically preferred for commercial use. It has low luster and rarely develops a significant patina.
Hardness Rating
100 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack. Generally perishable in outdoor conditions.
Common Uses
Model building, aircraft and marine cores, insulation, buoy fishing floats, surfboards, craft hobby items, and stage props/breakaway furniture.
Geographic Origin
Tropical America, spanning from southern Mexico to southern Brazil.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 to $10.00 per board foot (standard hobby shop pricing is often higher per unit).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or modern stock; the lack of oxidation or graying indicates a relatively new piece of lumber.
Sustainability Status
Listed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List; widely available through fast-growing plantations.
Workability
Very easy to cut with a sharp knife or razor; machines cleanly but is prone to crushing fibers if tools are not extremely sharp. Glues exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Extremely low density and high strength-to-weight ratio; feels almost weightless. Can cause allergic skin irritation or respiratory issues in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer followed by lacquer or acrylic paint is common for models; otherwise, it absorbs liquids like a sponge, requiring multiple coats.
Identification Confidence
High; the extremely pale color, obvious open pores, 'fuzzy' surface texture characteristic of unfinished stock, and extreme lightness are diagnostic of Ochroma.