Basswood
Color Range
The wood is naturally pale white to light cream, occasionally featuring a light tan or reddish heartwood. There is typically very little contrast between sapwood and heartwood.
Grain
It has a fine, straight, and indistinct grain. The surface is generally smooth and free of large knots or dramatic figures, providing a neutral canvas for artisans.
Texture
The surface is generally smooth and free of large knots or dramatic figures, providing a neutral canvas for artisans
Other Names
Other names here.
Typical Uses
Hobbyist & Craft: The standard material for woodcarving blanks, architectural models, and laser engraving projects. Musical Instruments: Frequently used for electric guitar bodies and piano keys due to its lightweight and resonant properties. Specialized Millwork: The preferred wood for high-end Venetian blinds and shutters because it can be machined into very thin, stable sections. Internal Components: Often used as a "secondary wood" for concealed furniture parts, drawer sides, and pattern-making. Food Storage: Because it is completely odorless and tasteless, it is often used for baskets and food-safe woodenware.
Weight
2.33
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lbs /Bd. Ft. | -34.92% lighter than red oak (3.58 /bd. ft.)
Hardness
410
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Janka Rating | -68.22% softer than red oak (1290 psi)
Density
0.4
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Specific Gravity | -37.50% less dense than red oak (.64)
Strength, Stability, and Durability
Stability: Once properly dried, basswood is dimensionally stable and resists warping. It dries rapidly but can undergo significant shrinkage during the drying process. Durability: It is non-durable and has low resistance to rot or insect attack, making it strictly suitable for indoor use.
Workability / Finishing
It is considered the premier choice for hand-carving and woodburning (pyrography) because it offers minimal resistance to tools and resists splitting.