Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America, grown widely in tropical plantations globally.
- Hardness
- 67 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to fungal decay and powderpost beetle attacks if left untreated.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a coarse, open texture and a natural porous appearance.
Color & Appearance
Pale white to light tan or oatmeal color with very little variation between heartwood and sapwood. Low luster and ages to a slightly darker yellowish tone upon prolonged light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
67 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to fungal decay and powderpost beetle attacks if left untreated.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderately high per board foot due to specialized harvesting and lightweight grading, roughly $4.00 to $8.00 per board foot depending on thickness and grade.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh or recently milled stock, estimated at less than 1-3 years based on bright color and lack of heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Highly sustainable due to extremely rapid growth rates; harvested from fast-rotation plantations with no CITES restrictions.
Common Uses
Model making, lightweight cores in composites, surfboards, craft projects, packaging, and thermal/acoustic insulation.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America, grown widely in tropical plantations globally.
Workability
Extremely easy to cut, carve, and shape with basic hand tools or even craft knives, though very soft wood requires extremely sharp blades to avoid fuzzy tearing rather than clean cutting.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts water-based paints, varnishes, and thin sealers well, but tends to absorb liquid finishes rapidly due to its high porosity.
Notable Features
Noted for having the highest strength-to-weight ratio among commercial timbers, extremely light density, and buoyancy.
