Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, open grain with a medium to coarse texture; typically no significant figure or curl present.
Color Description
Off-white to oatmeal or yellowish-tan heartwood; sapwood is generally indistinguishable from heartwood. It has a low luster and tends to darken or yellow slightly with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
88 lbf (Very Soft); it is the softest and lightest commercial hardwood.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack (especially powder post beetles).
Common Uses
Model building (aircraft/boats), insulation, flotation devices, surfboards, stage props, and light-duty packaging.
Geographic Origin
Tropical South and Central America; major commercial production occurs in Ecuador.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $20.00 USD per board foot (higher for specialized hobby-grade sheets).
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh/Modern; industrial cut with no significant oxidation or patina, likely manufactured within the last 1-2 years.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. Fast-growing and often plantation-harvested.
Workability
Easily worked with very sharp hand tools, but tends to crush or tear out if blades are dull. Sands easily but does not hold screws or nails well due to low density; gluing is necessary.
Notable Features
Extremely low density and high strength-to-weight ratio. It is technically a hardwood despite being softer than most softwoods. Pores are large and visible.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with thin coats of lacquer or sanding sealer; it is highly absorbent and will soak up large amounts of finish if not pre-sealed.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctively large vascular pores, extremely pale color, and visible crushing at the cut edges are diagnostic of large-pored, low-density Balsa.