Basswood
Tilia americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, even texture with an indistinct grain pattern; no significant figure is visible in the sample.
Color Description
Pale white to light cream color throughout both heartwood and sapwood; low luster, uniform appearance that tends to darken slightly to a pale brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
410 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated or used outdoors.
Common Uses
Woodcarving (excellent for hand tools), crates, boxes, picture frames, Venetian blinds, musical instrument components (electric guitar bodies), and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeast Canada through the eastern United States.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $6.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/recent lumber, likely processed within the last 1-2 years based on the lack of oxidation and clean, light color.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options common.
Workability
Exceptionally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; it is one of the best woods for carving. Glue, stains, and finishes well, though it can be somewhat fuzzy when sanded with coarse grits.
Notable Features
Virtually odorless and tasteless; very lightweight for a hardwood; lacks a distinct heartwood/sapwood boundary; very soft and easy to dent.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and paints very well due to its uniform porosity; clear wood oils or lacquer are recommended to preserve the light color, though it is often painted by carvers.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the extremely pale uniform color, lack of visible grain figure, and the characteristic 'fuzzy' fibers on the rough-cut edges are diagnostic for Tilia americana.