Wood Species Guide

Basswood

Tilia americana

Also called: American Basswood, American Linden, Linden, Bee Tree, Lime (UK name for related Tilia species)

Basswood is the carver's wood: soft, light, pale and so fine-textured that it holds crisp detail with little effort. It is inexpensive and easy to work, but too soft for furniture that takes a beating.
DomesticHardwoodDomestic Utility Hardwoods
Good forGuitars & TonewoodsBudget-Friendly

What Basswood looks like

Pale cream to light tan with very little difference between sapwood and heartwood. It can show faint brown streaks.

Grain and texture

Straight grain with a very fine, even texture and almost no visible figure.

Working Basswood: planing, cutting and gluing

Soft, light and very easy to cut, plane and carve. Sharp tools are essential because dull edges crush and fuzz the fibers instead of slicing them. It glues well and takes nails without splitting.

Finishing Basswood: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Paints and finishes well. It absorbs stain unevenly, so use a conditioner. Being soft and absorbent, it soaks up epoxy and oil; seal it first.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Not decay resistant and easily dented. Stable once dry. Indoor use only in Florida.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

We carry basswood as rough-sawn lumber. It is the classic carving wood: hand carvers, scroll sawyers and model makers love it because it holds detail and won't fight the knife. It is not a choice for table tops because it dents with a fingernail. Keep your carving tools razor sharp.

Common uses for Basswood

Hand carving, relief carving, scroll saw work, models, patterns, drawer parts, musical instruments and blinds.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. The IUCN Red List rates it as Least Concern.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating LowWhat the ratings mean
  • No common reactions reported

Few reports. No reactions beyond ordinary wood dust irritation are known.

In the shop
Normal dust collection + mask when sanding
Food contact
Good choice for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Basswood has few reported reactions beyond the general irritation any wood dust can cause. Use dust collection and a mask.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared

Basswood in stock now

Hardwood lumber in stock (2)

Want to see them in person? Book a slab & lumber visit.

Similar woods: Domestic Utility Hardwoods

See the Domestic Utility Hardwoods group guide

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