Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and diffuse-porous; very coarse and open texture with a fuzzy or stringy surface appearance
Color Description
Heartwood is a pale reddish-brown to white, while sapwood is nearly white to creamy yellow; has a very low luster and darkens slightly to a yellowish tan with age
Hardness Rating
88 lbf (Extremely Soft/Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to perishable; very susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack (especially powder post beetles)
Common Uses
Model building, aircraft construction, floatation devices, insulation, movie props (breakaway furniture), and surfboards
Geographic Origin
Tropical South and Central America, primarily Ecuador
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 to $25.00 per board foot (remarkably high due to low density and specialized shipping needs)
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh/modern; likely machined within the last 12-24 months based on the brightness and lack of heavy oxidation
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed; often sustainably plantation-grown
Workability
Very easy to cut with a sharp craft knife or razor, but easily crushed or dented; requires very sharp tools to prevent fuzzy surfaces and tearout; glues well
Notable Features
Extremely lightweight; remarkably high strength-to-weight ratio; feels almost like cork or foam to the touch; lacks a distinct scent
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer is essential as it is highly absorbent; finish with light coats of lacquer or acrylic; often left unfinished for weight saving
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic fuzzy fiber texture, pale cream color, extremely light appearance, and open-grain structure are textbook indicators of Balsa wood.