Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, coarse, and open-pored grain with a soft, fuzzy texture when rough-sawn
Color Description
Pale white to oatmeal or yellowish-tan heartwood; sapwood is almost indistinguishable from heartwood; low luster but can show cell-level chatoyance
Hardness Rating
100 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack if not treated or kept dry
Common Uses
Model building, aircraft prototypes, surfboards, insulation, flotation devices, core material for composite sandwiches
Geographic Origin
Native to southern Mexico, Central and South America; major plantations in Ecuador
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on density and grade
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern (under 5 years) based on the bright color, lack of grey oxidation, and fresh fuzzy surface fibers
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES and IUCN Red List; widely available as plantation-grown wood; generally high sustainability
Workability
Excellent with very sharp hand tools; machine tools can easily crush or tear the fibers; glues and finishes well but is highly absorbent
Notable Features
Extremely low density; highest strength-to-weight ratio of any commercial wood; large vessels; often mistaken for a softwood but is botanically a hardwood
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer or grain filler is often needed due to high porosity; light lacquers or water-based finishes are preferred to avoid adding weight
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very pale color, extremely open cellular structure (visible as tiny dots/pores), and the characteristic 'fuzzy' surface texture is definitive for Ochroma