Hardwood · Eastern North America
Basswood
Tilia americana
Pale cream with faint grain.
Janka hardness410 lbf
Density (12% MC)26.0 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.2 lb
Rot resistanceLow
Workability5/5
Price$
Hardness compared
White pine
Basswood
Yellow Poplar
Black Cherry
Red Oak
Hard Maple
Shagbark Hickory
Jatoba
Working with Basswood
The carver’s favourite: soft, even and holds detail. Great for wood burning.
Typical uses: Carving, models, drawer sides, pyrography.
Seasonal movement
| Tangential coefficient (flatsawn) | 0.00330 per 1% MC |
|---|---|
| Radial coefficient (quartersawn) | 0.00230 per 1% MC |
| T/R ratio | 1.43 (stays flat well) |
| 12" flatsawn board, 6% → 11% MC | 0.198" (≈ 5.0 mm) |
Similar hardness
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