Balsa

Ochroma pyramidale • Exotic/Tropical (Hardwood)

Straight grain with a coarse, even texture; lacks significant figure or distinctive cathedral patterns

Off-white to ivory or pale reddish-brown; sapwood is generally indistinguishable from heartwood in younger trees; low luster and minimal chatoyance

70-100 lbf (Extremely Soft)

Non-durable; very susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack (especially powderpost beetles)

Common Uses

Model building (planes/boats), insulation, buoyancy applications, surfboards, core material in sandwich constructions, and stage props

Tropical South and Central America (originally), now grown in plantations worldwide, particularly Ecuador

$5.00 - $12.00 per board foot (varies significantly by density and grade)

Relatively recent/new; the light color and lack of oxidation suggest it is a fresh cut or has been stored indoors away from sunlight

Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; considered highly sustainable due to rapid growth rates

Very easy to cut with a hobby knife or saw; poor screw/nail holding capacity; tends to crush rather than plane if tools are not extremely sharp

Extremely low density (very light weight); provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation; historically used for life rafts

Best treated with sanding sealer or dope (for models); absorbs large amounts of paint/finish; low-viscosity cyanoacrylate or PVA glue works best

High; the characteristic pale straw color, visible large vessel pores, fuzzy texture when cut, and obvious low density are hallmarks of Balsa

Identified on 5/18/2026