Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, slightly open grain with a medium to coarse texture
Color Description
Pale white to oatmeal color, sometimes with a yellowish or pinkish tint. Heartwood is usually a pale reddish brown but is rarely seen since most Balsa is sapwood.
Hardness Rating
88 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot, termites, and insect attack
Common Uses
Model building, aircraft components, insulation, buoyancy aids (rafts), craft projects, and film props (breakaway furniture)
Geographic Origin
Tropical America, from southern Mexico to southern Brazil, and the West Indies
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $10.00 per board foot (varies significantly by density and grade)
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recent stock (less than 1 year), showing minimal uv oxidation or patina
Sustainability Status
Not listed by CITES or the IUCN Red List; widely available and fast-growing
Workability
Extremely easy to work with hand tools; can be cut with a craft knife. Sanding can be difficult as the fibers tend to crush rather than shear. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Lightest and softest of all commercial hardwoods; exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio; virtually odorless
Finish Recommendations
Light sanding with high grit; sealing is necessary as it is very absorbent. Water-based finishes or light lacquers are recommended to avoid adding weight.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the pale, fuzzy fiber texture, extremely low density visible in the grain, and light oatmeal color is characteristic of kiln-dried Balsa.