Basswood
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeAlthough sometimes reaching a height of 30m with a diameter of 1.2m it is more usually about 18m to 21m tall and about 0.75m in diameter.
The TimberThe wood is light-coloured, varying from creamy-white to pale brown, with a straight grain and fine. even texture, due to the uniform growth and lack of contrast between early-wood and late-wood zones. It is soft, light in weight, about 416kg/m3 when dried, and is weak and lacks toughness.
DryingDries without undue checking and distortion.
StrengthSimilar in most strength categories to poplar, but a little more resistant to shock loads.
Working QualitiesGood - Works extremely easily, and finishes smoothly. It takes nails and screws well, glues satisfactorily, and can be stained and polished without difficulty.
Latin NameTilia americana
Also known asAmerican Lime (North America)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityEasy
MoistureMedium
TextureFine
OriginCanada, North America
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
