Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, with an open, coarse texture and a high degree of luster.
Color Description
Pale white to off-white or light pinkish-tan; heartwood and sapwood are typically indistinguishable in appearance. Shows little change with age except for slight yellowing.
Hardness Rating
88 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly perishable and susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack. Requires dry conditions and treatment for long-term use.
Common Uses
Model building (airplanes, boats), insulation, raft construction, movie props (breakaway furniture), surfboards, and core material in sandwich construction for aerospace or marine applications.
Geographic Origin
Native to southern Mexico, Central and South America; widely cultivated in plantations in Ecuador.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on density and grade (density significantly affects price).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/new stock; lacks the significant oxidation or UV-wear common in aged reclaimed timber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered highly sustainable due to rapid growth and plantation sourcing.
Workability
Extremely easy to work with hand or machine tools, though it requires very sharp blades to avoid crushing fibers rather than cutting them. Glues and finishes well but is highly absorbent.
Notable Features
Lightest commercial hardwood available; excellent strength-to-weight ratio; provides good thermal and acoustic insulation.
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer is recommended due to extreme absorption; lightweight finishes like lacquer or thin polyurethane are common. Often left unfinished in modeling.
Identification Confidence
High; the extremely light color, porous fuzzy texture, and visible lightness of the long board in a workshop setting are iconic characteristics of Ochroma pyramidale.