Origin
Eastern North America, Midwest
Janka Hardness
410 lbf
Average Weight
2.17 lbs/bf
Color
Pale white to light brown with no clearly defined heartwood/sapwood distinction; subtle growth rings and uniform color throughout face grain; knots and defects uncommon.
Working Characteristics
- Easy to work
- very soft and lightweight
- excellent for hand carving
- glues and finishes well
- poor steam bending and nail-holding characteristics.
Species Specifications
| Botanical Name | Tilia americana |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Basswood, lime, linden, American basswood |
| Origin | Eastern North America, Midwest |
| Average Weight | 2.17 lbs/bf |
| Janka Hardness | 410 lbf |
| Pore Structure | Diffuse porous |
| Grain / Texture | Straight grain with fine, even texture and moderate natural luster. |
| Rot Resistance | Heartwood rated non-durable; not recommended for decay-prone applications. |
Hardness Compared to Other Woods
See where Basswood, lime, linden, American basswood falls on the Janka hardness scale compared to other familiar hardwoods.
Softer
Harder
Basswood
410
Cherry
950
Walnut
1010
Red Oak
1290
Hard Maple
1450
Hickory
1820
Purpleheart
2520
The Janka hardness rating measures resistance to denting and wear. Higher numbers generally indicate a harder, denser wood.
Technical Properties
| Shrinkage | Radial: 6.6%, Tangential: 9.3%, Volumetric: 15.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.4 |
|---|---|
| Modulus of Rupture | 8,700 lbf/in2 |
| Elastic Modulus | 1,460,000 lbf/in2 |
| Crushing Strength | 730 lbf/in2 |
Why Woodworkers Choose Capital Hardwood
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