Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; diffuse-porous structure with relatively large pores.
Color Description
Creamy white to off-white or oatmeal color, sometimes with a pale pink or yellow cast; heartwood is rarely seen in commercial lumber. Low luster.
Hardness Rating
88 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; perishable. Highly susceptible to rot and insect attack; very high moisture absorption.
Common Uses
Model building (airplanes, boats), insulation, buoyancy devices, surfboards, packing materials, and core stock in sandwich-component structures.
Geographic Origin
Tropical South America, Central America, and Mexico; major commercial plantations in Ecuador.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot (usually sold in small hobby blocks or sheets with a high markup).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recently harvested; the sample shows fresh mechanical splintering without oxidation or patina typical of aged lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely grown in plantations and considered highly sustainable due to rapid growth.
Workability
Extremely easy to work with hand tools; can be cut with a craft knife. Sanding is easy but the wood is so soft it can compress rather than cut. Does not hold nails or screws well due to low density; gluing is the preferred joining method.
Notable Features
Lightest and softest commercial hardwood; exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio; feels almost like foam or cork to the touch.
Finish Recommendations
Requires grain filler if a smooth surface is desired. Water-based finishes or sanding sealer are common; heavy oils and varnishes will be absorbed rapidly and significantly increase the weight.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic fibrous, shredded end-grain when cut roughly, the light oatmeal color, and the obvious low density visible in the hand-held scale are diagnostic for Balsa.