The classification of basswood as a hardwood has been a subject of debate among woodworking enthusiasts due to its distinct features. While it may seem like a minor detail, its classification can impact the choice of projects it’s most appropriate for.
To have an answer with regard to this matter, our wood specialists explored further to uncover the answer to this long-standing query.
Basswood’s Hardness
Basswood, which is classified as a type of hardwood, is commonly known for its softness and lower density compared to the majority of other hardwood varieties.
Moreover, the deciduous nature and unique fiber structures of trees like Aspen, Chestnut, and Basswood are the reasons why they are categorized as hardwoods, despite not being particularly recognized for their hardness.
To get a better comparison between basswood and other types of woods, below are various wood types and their own Janka hardness rating.
| Wood Species | Hardness Value |
| Sugar Pine | 380 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 1690 newtons (N) | |
| Engelmann Spruce | 390 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 1735 newtons (N) | |
| Basswood | 410 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 1824 newtons (N) | |
| Redwood | 420 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 1868 newtons (N) | |
| White Spruce | 480 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 2135 newtons (N) | |
| Cypress | 510 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 2268 newtons (N) | |
| Sitka Spruce | 510 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 2268 newtons (N) | |
| Black Spruce | 520 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 2313 newtons (N) | |
| Hemlock | 540 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 2402 newtons (N) | |
| Alder | 590 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 2624 newtons (N) | |
| Silver Maple | 700 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 3100 newtons (N) | |
| Douglas Fir | 710 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 3158 newtons (N) | |
| Red Maple | 950 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 4200 newtons (N) | |
| Imbuia Black Cherry | 950 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 4200 newtons (N) | |
| Cherry | 995 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 4430 newtons (N) | |
| North American Black Walnut | 1010 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 4500 newtons (N) | |
| Teak | 1155 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 5140 newtons (N) | |
| Baltic (Yellow) Birch | 1260 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 5600 newtons (N) | |
| Northern Red Oak | 1290 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 5700 newtons (N) | |
| American Beech | 1300 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 5800 newtons (N) | |
| White Ash Wood | 1320 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 5900 newtons (N) | |
| White Oak | 1360 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 6000 newtons (N) | |
| Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) | 1450 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 6400 newtons (N) | |
| Hickory, Pecan, Satinwood | 1820 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 8100 newtons (N) | |
| Golden Teak | 2330 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 10400 newtons (N) | |
| Brazilian Cherry (Jatoba) | 2350 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 10500 newtons (N) | |
| Red Mahogany (Turpentine) | 2697 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 12000 newtons (N) | |
| Brazilian Walnut | 3684 pounds-force (lbf) |
| 16390 newtons (N) |
Characteristics of Basswood
Basswood is well-known for its superb carving properties and is also called Tilia Americana. It is available in light hues ranging from pale white to light brown, and there are no clearly distinguishable sapwood or heartwood sections.
Moreover, basswood has exceptional performance when it comes to nailing, screwing, and gluing. Compared to most hardwoods, it is also easier to sand, paint, and stain. In addition, it has good stability, which is helpful in woodcarving for adding intricate details.
Below are the characteristics of basswood to help you get to know more about this wood.
- Wood Type - Hardwood
- Color - Pale white to light brown
- Hardness - 410 pounds-force (lbf) or 1824 newtons (N)
- Stiffness - 1.46 million pounds per square inch (Mpsi)
- Density - 0.3 - 0.6 kilogram / m3
- Common Uses - Molding, carving
Pros and Cons of Basswood
Pros
- Unlimited supply
- Polished surface
- Odorless
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Soft hardwood
- Light in weight
- High workability
Cons
- Susceptible to water
- Susceptible to rot
- Vulnerable to insect damage
- Low strength
- Low durability
Ideal Uses of Basswood
Top-tier manufacturers of shutters highly favor Basswood among other woods. It is widely utilized in furniture due to its exceptional glue adherence and warping resistance.
Moreover, this finely textured and odorless wood has rapidly gained acceptance in the global commercial market. It is utilized not only in large-scale productions but also continues to be the preferred wood for woodworkers who want to carve items of any size.
To acknowledge the use of basswood, refer to the list of uses below:
- Small-scale woodworking crafts
- Fiber-made items
- Plywood
- Veneers
- Lumbers
- Moldings
- Crates
- Boxes
- Various musical instrument
- Woodcarving pieces
Is Basswood Strong?
Basswood is considered weak in comparison to other woods, as its 4730 pounds per square inch (psi) compressive strength and 8700 pounds per square inch (psi) bending strengths are notably lower.
Thus, the basswood’s weak strength makes it unsuitable for applications that involve force or heavyweight, and it is only suitable for small-scale woodworking projects.
What about other wood? You might want to check out these articles:
Is Basswood Harder Than Pine Wood?
Despite being classified as a softwood, Pine is more resilient than Basswood. Pine is also immune to decay and insect invasion, and with appropriate maintenance, it can endure for several years.
In contrast, basswood is a hardwood that is less robust than pine. Additionally, it is prone to decay and insect invasion, and without proper attention, its lifespan is only limited to a few years.
However, basswood is harder than some varieties of pine, and it is also softer than a specific variety of pine. To get a better comparison between the two kinds of wood, below is their Janka hardness rating.
| Basswood | Yellow Pine | White Pine | Sugar Pine | |
| Janka Hardness Rating | 410 pounds-force (lbf) | 870 pounds-force (lbf) | 380 pounds-force (lbf) | 380 pounds-force (lbf) |
Is Basswood Harder Than Balsa?
Balsa wood is renowned for its lightweight and flexible composition, enabling it to be easily shaped into a wide range of forms and adhered with minimal effort. Thus, its pliability and lightness make it a versatile material for various applications and creative endeavors.
In comparison, basswood possesses a dense and sturdy texture with a coarse surface, making it well-suited for projects that necessitate toughness and durability.
Thus, when comparing Balsa vs basswood, the latter is far harder than former. For a better comparison, we enumerated below their own Janka hardness.
| Basswood | Balsa | |
| Janka Hardness Rating | 410 pounds-force (lbf) | 70 pounds-force (lbf) |
Is Basswood Harder Than Maple?
Maple wood possesses remarkable strength, and those with a passion for woodworking and furniture will appreciate maple’s light, creamy hue, attractive grain, and exceptional robustness.
Also, its hardness surpasses the majority of other types of hardwood that are favored by furniture manufacturers. In conclusion, maple is much harder than basswood. To further compare the two kinds of wood, we enumerated below their own Janka hardness rating.
| Basswood | Soft Maple | Hard Maple | |
| Janka Hardness Rating | 410 pounds-force (lbf) | 950 pounds-force (lbf) | 1450 pounds-force (lbf) |
Is Basswood Harder Than Poplar?
Since basswood is softer, it is more vulnerable to tear and wear, but with appropriate care, both kinds of wood can last for a considerable time.
Nonetheless, among the two types of wood, poplar is far harder than basswood. Here’s their Janka hardness rating to get a better comparison between the two kinds of wood:
| Basswood | Poplar | |
| Janka Hardness Rating | 410 pounds-force (lbf) | 540 pounds-force (lbf) |
Conclusion
While basswood is a hardwood, it’s considered a softer type due to its low density and softness. Despite being less durable than harder woods, it remains a popular option for woodworking due to its versatility and user-friendliness.
Whether it is used for furniture making, carving, or other applications, basswood can be an excellent choice for those seeking a pliable wood that is easy to work with.
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