Basswood
Tilia americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 410 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine and uniform texture with an indistinct grain pattern.
Color & Appearance
Pale white to light creamy brown with very little difference between sapwood and heartwood.
Hardness (Janka)
410 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to decay and insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderately low, approximately $2.00 to $4.00 per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently cut or freshly milled, showing little to no signs of aging or oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List, widely abundant.
Common Uses
Carving, woodenware, model building, musical instrument parts, interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; cuts, carves, and glues exceptionally well, though it can fuzz slightly during sanding if tools are not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, paints, and clear finishes very well, though a sanding sealer may be useful due to its relative softness and absorbency.
Notable Features
Extremely lightweight and soft for a hardwood; lacks distinct odor or taste; premier wood choice for woodcarving.
