Basswood Wood Guide 2026
Tilia americana
Typically described as soft and lightweight carving wood
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 25 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Common uses include Carving, Modeling, Musical instruments
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The texture is very fine and consistent with an indistinct grain.
Workability: It is highly prized for carving due to its soft and uniform nature.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: It takes paints and stains uniformly due to its low resin content.
Color change: The creamy white color tends to yellow slightly with age.
Insect resistance: It is not resistant to decay or insects.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Basswood. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths are readily available. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths are readily available. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths are readily available. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths are readily available. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
| 12/4 | 3" | 2-3/4" | Random widths are readily available. | Random lengths are standard. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths are readily available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are readily available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths are readily available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are readily available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
- 12/4rough 3"
- Surfaced
- 2-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths are readily available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths are standard.
Availability notes: It is widely available throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Pale white to light brown; subtle growth rings
Grain: Straight
Common Uses
- Carving
- Modeling
- Musical instruments
- Molding
- Crafts
Key Characteristics
Also known as: American Basswood;Linden
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 410 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Basswood is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Basswood vs Butternut
Basswood is the best all-around carving wood for most people — it is softer, cheaper, and easier to find. However, Butternut is the better choice when you want a naturally attractive finished piece without paint or stain, as its warm brown tones are hard to beat.
View comparisonBasswood vs Poplar
Basswood is the ultimate carving wood. Poplar is the ultimate painting wood. Both excel at budget prices.
View comparisonExplore More on Lumberama
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