Basswood
Latin Name: Tilia americana
Family: Tiliaceae - the Linden family
Other Common Name(s): American Basswood, American Lime, American Linden, Beetree, Beetree Linden, Carolina Linden, Florida Basswood, Florida Linden, Limetree, Linden, Linn, Northern White Basswood, White Basswood
Domestic Hardwood
Suitable for Exterior/Interior Use
Interior Use Only
Uses
Apiary Supplies, Carving, Interior Trim, Food Packaging, Millwork, Mouldings, Novelties, Slack Cooperage, Toys, Venetian Blinds
Distribution
Basswood trees grow with abundance through out the eastern half of both Canada and the United States. Beech prefers moist soil of valleys and uplands, it is usually found disbursed in hardwood forests.
General Description: The sapwood tends to be wide and can very white in color. The heartwood is a creamy white to light tan color, and is not always easily distinguishable from the sapwood. The grain is typically straight, with a fine uniform texture.
Price Range ($ least expensive, $$$$$ most expensive):
$
Working Properties
Machining: Good
Nailing: Good
Glueing: Good
Screwing: Fair
Finishing: Fair
Physical Properties
Weight (lbs/BF): 2.333
Specific Gravity: 0.33-0.44
Modulus of Rupture (psi): 5,100-8,700
Modulus of Elasticity (1,000 psi): 1,017-1,507
Side Hardness (lbs): 410
Additional Information
Basswood is one of the "softer" hardwood species, and has relatively low strength properties. While nails can be easily driven into the wood, because of the softness of the wood it does not hold them well.
Item Availability
4/4 FAS
5/4 FAS
6/4 FAS
8/4 FAS
10/4 FAS
12/4 FAS
16/4 FAS