Basswood

• Also Known As : Bass Wood, Lime Tree, American Lime wood, Linden
• Scientific Name:  Tilia Americana
• Source:  Canada, US
• Color: White, Creme, Light brown
• Pattern:  Strait fine grain
• Similar to: Poplar
• Uses: Furniture, beehives, wood bowls, millwork, wood for electric guitars

Description

Basswood resembles tulipwood or whitewood and is sometimes called Mexican Limewood.  It is rather common and found throughout much of the United States and Canada, especially in the Northeastern US.  The wood is light in weight and is often used as a subtitute for Poplar, Tulipwood or Aspen.  Basswood has a straight and fine grain with a color that ranges from white or creme to a pale brown.  the heartwood is usually light in color with the sapwood having a pale brown, light brown or slightly red tinted brown color.

Uses

This wood is often used to make inexpensive furniture and wooden wares such as wooden bowls and spoons.  Due to the fine grain structure, this wood is often used for bowl turning carving.   Due to the light weight, strength, and finishing properties, Basswood is often used as a wood for electric guitars, since they are normally painted.  Unpainted Guitars and other fine instruments are normally not created with this wood due to its rather ordinary grain pattern.  Due to the relative ease in availability and workability, this wood is a common choice as a wood for hand carving.  Due to the woods light weight and ease of turning, it is also often used for turning Christmas ornaments.

The wood is also often used for moulding and other millwork, as well as being used for blinds.  The Native Americans also used the inner bark of the tree for rope and other fiber making.