Wood species

Basswood

Tilia americana · Malvaceae

The carver's wood, pale and even enough that it never fights the pattern cut into it. Linden in Europe, lime to the English, basswood in North America, and native across North Carolina.

Janka hardness: 410 lbf
Density: 26.0 lb/ft³
Shrinkage T / R: 9.3 / 6.6 %
Origin: Eastern North America
IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Shop Basswood in stock (1)All live edge slabs

Pictured: (Pre-Built) Basswood Classic Cut Tabletop #PB166 119" x 36" x 2.5"

About Basswood

Basswood is pale white to light brown with no clear line between heartwood and sapwood, subtle growth rings and an even color across the face. Grain is straight with a fine, even texture and moderate luster; knots and defects are uncommon. It is very soft and light, the carver's wood, so it dents easily and holds nails poorly, though it glues and finishes well and takes paint and color cleanly. It shrinks a lot in its first drying, then stays stable once dry. It suits carved work, painted pieces and light-duty tops where weight matters, not a hard-use dining table. Ours is kiln dried in Zebulon, NC.

Working & finishing

Easy to work, being very soft and light, and among the most suitable species for hand carving. Glues and finishes well but has poor steam bending and poor nail holding, so fasten with screws into blocking or a glued sub-frame. The pale, even color takes paint and dye cleanly; a clear oil leaves it soft to the touch and quick to dent, so a film finish or paint is the usual choice.

Care

Treat it as a soft surface: use boards and trivets, wipe spills promptly, and expect dents under hard use. Indoor use only; the heartwood is non-durable. Once kiln dried it is stable in service, so seasonal movement is modest.

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