Basswood
Tilia americana · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, ranging from southeast Canada through the Eastern and Central United States.
- Hardness
- 410 lbf (Very Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable; rated as being very susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to the elements.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, and even-textured with an indistinct grain pattern and occasional small knots; lacks prominent figure.
Color & Appearance
Pale white to light brown heartwood and sapwood with little distinction between the two. Features a low natural luster and tends to darken slightly to a pale yellow-brown with age.
Hardness (Janka)
410 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; rated as being very susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to the elements.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $7.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively fresh milled stock; approximately 1-3 years old based on the lack of oxidation and clean, light coloring.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Common Uses
Woodcarving (highly prized), hand-turning, musical instrument components (solid-body electric guitars), crates, boxes, veneer, and internal furniture parts.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southeast Canada through the Eastern and Central United States.
Workability
Exceptional workability with hand and machine tools; it is one of the best woods for carving. Glues and finishes well, though it is quite soft and can dent easily.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well, though it can sometimes be blotchy. A sanding sealer followed by lacquer or shellac is recommended to maintain the light color.
Notable Features
Essentially odorless and tasteless; fine-grained and lightweight with high dimensional stability once dried.
