Basswood

Basswood Hardwood Lumber Details

Overview:

Basswood is a light, soft domestic hardwood valued for its excellent workability and smooth, fine texture. The heartwood ranges from a creamy pale brown to light reddish brown, with sapwood that is creamy white. The grain is generally straight and subtle, providing a clean and even surface that readily accepts finishes and paints.

Workability:

Basswood machines easily with both hand and power tools, carves exceptionally well, and sands to a smooth finish. Its low density and softness make it a popular choice for detailed and precision woodworking. While it has poor steam bending and lower mechanical strength compared to harder species, it glues well and takes finishes uniformly.

Typical Uses:

Commonly used for carving, turning, mouldings, internal millwork, and fine trim, basswood is also ideal for musical instruments, blinds, shutters, woodenware, and light furniture. Its light color makes it especially suited for painted applications or projects requiring a neutral substrate.

Characteristics at a Glance:

Color: Creamy white to light brown
Texture: Fine and uniform
Grain: Straight, subtle
Hardness/Weight: Lightweight and one of the softer hardwoods
Workability: Excellent for machining, carving, sanding, and finishing