Balsa
Ochroma pyramidale
Balsa is the lightest commercial hardwood in the world, renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and excellent insulation properties. This pale cream-colored wood is incredibly easy to work with and has been used for centuries in model building, rafts, surfboards, and specialized industrial applications. Despite being classified as a hardwood, balsa's extreme lightness and soft texture make it unique among commercial lumber species.
Janka Hardness
70 lbf
Extremely soft
Density
7-24 lbs/ft³ (varies greatly)
Extremely light (varies)
Shrinkage
High (10.8% tangential, 5.5% radial)
High movement
Appearance
Color: Pale white to cream or tan heartwood. Very uniform in color. Sapwood is not distinct from heartwood.
Grain: Straight grain with coarse, open texture. Very porous structure.
Key Characteristics
- •Extremely lightweight
- •Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- •Superior insulation properties
- •Easy to cut and shape
- •Good shock absorption
- •Buoyant and water-resistant when sealed
Common Applications
Maintenance
Very soft and easily damaged. Requires sealing for moisture resistance. Not suitable for structural or outdoor applications without proper treatment and protection.
Advantages
- +Lightest commercial wood available
- +Incredibly easy to work with
- +Excellent thermal and acoustic insulation
- +High strength-to-weight ratio
- +Readily accepts glue and finishes
- +Fast-growing renewable resource
Considerations
- •Extremely soft and easily dented
- •High shrinkage during drying
- •Not durable outdoors without treatment
- •Density varies significantly within species
- •Limited structural applications
- •Porous structure requires sealing