Basswood (American Linden)
Tilia americana • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight and fine with an even, uniform texture; lacks distinctive figure but shows very subtle growth rings and small pores in the end grain.
Color Description
Pale white to light brown heartwood with sapwood of a similar creamy white color. It shows very little color distinction between heart and sap and tends to darken slightly to a pale yellowish-brown with age.
Hardness Rating
410 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; rated as perishable regarding decay resistance and susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Wood carving (extremely popular for hand carving), whittling, model building, musical instruments (electric guitar bodies), crates, boxes, and venetian blinds.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.00 - $7.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The piece is dated 2020 by the artist; the raw wood grain suggests a limb or small log harvested within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Excellent for hand carving and tools; soft and light with very little grain resistance. It glues and finishes well, though it can be somewhat fuzzy when sanded with coarse grits.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless and tasteless; one of the best woods for beginners in whittling due to its softness and closed grain that doesn't splinter easily.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though it can sometimes be blotchy. For carvings, a simple clear wax, spray lacquer, or oil finish is recommended to preserve the natural light color.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the creamy, uniform color, the soft texture visible in the knife cuts, and the fact that it is used for a signed hand-carved piece (2020) are classic indicators of Basswood.