Paulownia (also known as Royal Empress or Princess Tree)
Paulownia tomentosa • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a vary coarse, porous texture. Large, distinct pores are visible. Minimal figure is present, though some light 'cathedral' peaking is visible on the flat-sawn multi-piece body wings.
Color Description
Pale grayish-blonde to light silvery-tan. Heartwood and sapwood are difficult to distinguish. The wood has a low natural luster and can undergo slight yellowing or graying if left unfinished and exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
260-300 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding rot resistance; however, it is highly susceptible to mechanical damage (dents/scratches) due to extreme softness.
Common Uses
Electric guitar bodies, surfboards, boat building (especially lightweight racing boats), musical instrument soundboards, and packing crates.
Geographic Origin
Native to East Asia (China); extensively grown and naturalized in North America and Europe.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $8.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively young lumber, likely from a plantation-grown tree (8-15 years old) given its use in modern budget-friendly instrument manufacturing.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; extremely fast-growing (one of the fastest in the world). Not CITES listed. Often viewed as an invasive species in North America.
Workability
Very easy to work with tools because it is so soft. Sanding is effortless, though it can 'fuzz' if tools aren't sharp. Glues and finishes well, but requires a grain filler if a glass-smooth gloss is desired.
Notable Features
Remarkably lightweight (often called the 'aluminum of woods'). It has excellent resonance and acoustic properties for its weight. Very low thermal conductivity and stable dimensional properties.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a hard topcoat like polyurethane or polyester to protect against dents. Sanding sealer or grain filler is recommended to handle the large open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of extremely light color, large visible pores, and its specific application as a lightweight multi-piece electric guitar body is characteristic of Paulownia.