Basswood
Tilia americana
Genus: Tilia · Family: Malvaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
26 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
410 lbf
Decay Resistance
Perishable
Typical Color
White / Straw
Stability
High
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Easy
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Basswood is softer than 95% of species in our database, making it one of the lightest and easiest to work by hand.
Janka Hardness Scale
Very Soft
Overview
Professional Summary
Basswood (Tilia americana) is North America's premier carving wood, prized for its soft, uniform texture, minimal grain figure, and exceptional ability to hold fine detail. At just 410 lbf Janka, it cuts like butter with hand tools, making it the first choice for relief carving, whittling, and pattern-making.
In Plain English
Basswood is the wood every carver reaches for first — soft enough to carve with a pocket knife, uniform enough to hold fine detail, and affordable enough for practice. If you've ever carved a bird, a spoon, or a caricature, it was probably Basswood.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
The standard for hand carving, whittling, relief carving, pattern-making, and model building. Also used for blinds, moldings, and musical instrument components.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Not durable outdoors. Very soft — dents easily. Bland appearance limits use in visible furniture.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar white / straw color that are easily confused with Basswood. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Softer (Janka 67 lbf)
- • Lighter (9 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Decay: Non-Durable
- • Texture: Fine to medium
- • Harder (Janka 1,480 lbf)
- • Heavier (42 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Non-Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Harder (Janka 1,630 lbf)
- • Heavier (47 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Non-Durable
- • Texture: Fine