Basswood

Specs

Common Names

Basswood, lime, linden, American basswood

Scientific Name

Tilia americana

Origin

Eastern North America

Appearance

Pale white to light brown color, with sapwood and heartwood sections not clearly defined. Growth rings tend to be subtle, and color is mostly uniform throughout the face grain of the wood. Knots and other defects are uncommon. Grain is straight, with a fine, even texture and moderate natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

26 lbs/ft3 (415 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

410 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

8,700 lbf/in2 (60 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,460,000 lbf/in2 (10.07 GPa)

Crushing Strength

4,730 lbf/in2 (32.6 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 6.6%, Tangential: 9.3%, Volumetric: 15.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.4

Durability

Basswood is rated as non-durable in regard to heartwood decay.

Workability

Easy to work, being very soft and light. Perhaps one of the most suitable wood species for hand carving. Basswood also glues and finishes well, but has poor steam bending and nail holding characteristics.