Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture; diffuse-porous with large, open pores visible on the surface.
Color Description
Pale white to oatmeal or yellowish-white heartwood, with nearly white sapwood that is mostly indistinguishable; low luster and tends to gray over time if unfinished.
Hardness Rating
75 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly perishable and susceptible to rot, decay, and insect attack if not treated with preservatives.
Common Uses
Model building, aircraft construction (cores), surfboards, insulation, buoyancy devices, and commercial movie props (breakaway furniture).
Geographic Origin
Tropical South and Central America, with most commercial supplies coming from Ecuador.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 to $10.00 per board foot, though often sold by individual small pieces or sheets in hobby shops.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/recently milled (less than 5 years), indicated by the lack of significant oxidation, UV graying, or handling wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered highly sustainable due to extremely rapid growth cycles.
Workability
Excellent with extremely sharp tools; however, its low density makes it prone to crushing rather than cutting if blades are dull. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Exceptionally lightweight with a very high strength-to-weight ratio; technically a hardwood despite being much softer than most softwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer followed by lightweight lacquer or polyurethane; can absorb high amounts of finish due to high porosity.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large diffuse pores, distinctively pale color, and visible velvety texture is characteristic of Ochroma pyramidale.