Species Guide
Basswood
The Basics
Species Overview
Basswood is a light weight species renowned for its creamy color and ability to be machined and shaped accurately into thin sections, and as a premium wood for carving.
The sap of basswood tends to be large and is creamy white in color giving way to the heartwood that is pale to reddish brown. It may display dark streaks which are not a defect. The difference between sap and heartwood is small and may be indistinct. The wood of basswood has a fine uniform texture and straight grain, which is not distinct.
Scientific Name
Tilia americana
Avg. Board Length
8’ – 16’
Common Thicknesses
4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, 9/4
Also Known As
Basswood, Linden
Avg. Board Width
6” – 10”
Avg. Dried Weight
2.2 lbs/bdft
Where It Comes From
Growth Distribution
Basswood is botanically related to the lime tree found in Europe. The trees are generally large in height and diameter, often with straight trunks and relatively free of limbs. Basswood can be found growing throughout the United States in natural hardwood forests.
Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) data shows U.S. basswood growing stock is 210 million m3, 1.4% of total U.S. hardwood growing stock. American basswood is growing 3.3 million m3 per year while the harvest is 1.7 million m3 per year. The net volume (after harvest) is increasing by 1.6 million m3 each year. U.S. basswood growth exceeds or is in balance with harvest in all the main producing states.
Basswood is available in relatively limited volumes compared to some other species, both as sawn lumber and veneer. Lumber is available in a range of grades and thickness from 4/4” (25.4mm) right through to 16/4” (102mm) due to its ease of drying. Basswood lumber is also available in 9/4” (56mm) a specially produced thickness for production of window shutters and venetian blinds.
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0-4K
4-8K
8-12K
12-16K
16-20K
20-24K
Volume of live trees on forest land, 1000 m³
Uses
Common Applications
This unique hardwood, growing in natural forests in the USA, is considered the best species for venetian blinds and internal shutters. It is widely used for carving, turning, mouldings and furniture. Specialist uses include pattern making and musical instruments, especially for piano parts.
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Carving
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Furniture
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Mouldings
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Musical Instruments
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Turning
