Glacial Species & Grades

Basswood

Other Common Names: American Lime, Linden and American Whitewood A premier carving and turning hardwood, Basswood is a preferred species among high-end shutter manufacturers. The sapwood of Basswood is creamy white in color, merging into the heartwood, which is pale to reddish brown, sometimes with darker streaks. When dry, the wood has no characteristic odor or taste. The wood has a fine uniform texture and moderate luster grain. Basswood is soft and light, valued for hand carving and has other uses including cooperage, boxes, veneer, excelsior, and pulp. Basswood is also a top choice for musical instruments, shutters, specialty products and millwork.
Grades Available:

Properties

  • Machining5
  • Nailing3
  • Screwing4
  • Gluing4
  • Finishing5

Properties of Basswood

Basswood machines well and is easy to work with hand tools. It is a natural choice for carving and turnery because it cuts easily both with and across the grain. Basswood also glues, nails, screws, and accepts stain well.  

How does it compare

Lumber
(12 % moisture content)
Specific Gravity
(Density)
Dimensional
R
(%)
Movement
T
(%)
Hardness
(lbs)
Compression
Parallel
(ps)
Bending
Strength
(ps)
Bending
Stiffness
(kps)
Grain
Alder, Red (Western).414.47.35905,8209,8001,380Fine
Ash.604.97.81,3207,41015,4001,770Fine
Basswood.376.69.34104,7308,7001,460Fine
Beech.645.511.91,3007,30014,9001,720Fine/Medium
Birch, Yellow.627.39.51,2608,17016,6002,010Fine
Cherry, Black.503.77.19507,11012,3001,490Mod/Coarse
Hickory.664.98.91,8207,85013,7001,730Mod/Coarse
Maple, Hard.634.89.91,4507,83015,8001,830Fine
Maple, PC .483.77.18505,95010,7001,450Fine
Maple, Soft.473.07.27005,2208,9001,140Fine
Oak, Red.634.08.61,2906,76014,3001,820Coarse
Oak, White.684.48.81,3607,44015,2001,780Mod/Coarse
Poplar, Yellow.424.68.24505,2909,2001,500Fine
Walnut, Black.555.57.81,0107,58014,6001,680Medium