Basswood Hardwood

Premium basswood hardwood (Tilia americana, also known as American basswood or linden), perfect for laser cutting, hand carving, and DIY craft projects – ideal for makers, designers, schools, and businesses!

Elevate your projects with our high-quality basswood hardwood, one of the softest in the hardwood family, renowned for its exceptional workability and fine, uniform texture. Featuring a straight grain, creamy white to light tan heartwood, and very white sapwood, this lightweight wood (density: 2.333 lbs/BF) offers a smooth, knot-free surface that's easy to cut, engrave, and finish. S4S (surfaced on all four sides) for a ready-to-use, planed finish on 4 1/2" widths, it's ideal for intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship. Basswood's low density (Janka hardness: 410 lbs) makes it beginner-friendly, producing clean laser cuts with minimal charring and prominent engravings. Sustainably sourced from North American forests, it's glue- and finish-receptive but not ideal for high-stress fastening like nails or screws.

Available in 1/4" and 3/4" nominal thicknesses and 4 1/2" widths, in multiple stock lenths. With $12 flat-rate shipping per 50lb box, it’s a cost-effective solution for all your crafting needs. Order now to carve, cut, and create with ease!

Why Buy from MakerStock?

• Premium Quality: S4S basswood with a fine, even grain and light color for clean laser engraving and carving (Janka hardness: 410 lbs, density: 2.333 lbs/BF).

• Stock Selection: Available in nominal 1/4" and 3/4" thicknesses, 4 1/2" widths, with stock lengths up to 36".

• Affordable and Fast Shipping: $12 flat-rate shipping per 50lb box across the continental US from our PA and UT warehouses.

• Knowledgeable and Reliable Customer Support: Reach out via email (support@makerstock.com), phone, or LiveChat for material selection or project questions.

• No Minimum Order Requirements: Whether you need one panel or a hundred, we cater to individuals, businesses, and schools.

Perfect For:

• Laser Cutting & Engraving: Cuts cleanly with CO2 or diode lasers at low power, producing minimal charring and high-contrast engravings for intricate designs.

• Hand Carving & Sculpting: Soft texture and fine grain ideal for whittling, relief carving, or detailed sculptures with minimal splintering.

• Craft & School Projects: Great for STEM models, ornaments, toys, or classroom art due to its affordability and ease of use.

• Model Making & Instruments: Lightweight and stable for scale models, musical instrument bodies, or hobby kits.

• Decorative Applications: Design jewelry, inlays, or wall art leveraging its smooth finish and paint/stain receptivity.

Project Inspiration:

• Makers: Laser-cut basswood for custom nameplates with engraved logos or personalized coasters. Create layered fretwork jewelry pendants or intricate puzzles. Combine with stains for a rustic, high-contrast finish on home decor like monogrammed wall plaques.

• Schools: Craft educational kits like whittling magnets or simple relief carvings for art class, or laser-cut architectural models and geometric shapes for STEM optics experiments. Use for hands-on toy-making, such as animal figurines or interlocking puzzles, to teach fine motor skills and design principles.

• Businesses: Produce branded wooden awards with hand-carved details or laser-engraved business card holders for corporate gifting. Create retail displays like carved shelf brackets or pyrography-signed product tags, ideal for craft shops selling custom ornaments or small-batch furniture accents like drawer pulls.

• Hobbyists: Whittle detailed figurines or model train components with scroll-saw precision; laser-cut stencils for wood-burning scenic landscapes on plaques. Build guitar bodies or ukulele backs for luthiers, or terrain pieces for tabletop gaming with engraved maps and 3D-layered hills.

• Home Decor Enthusiasts: Hand-carve seasonal ornaments like snowflakes or stars for holiday trees, or laser-engrave family crests on serving trays. Design minimalist wall shelves with carved edges or inlaid coasters for kitchen tables, enhanced with natural oils for a satin, protective sheen.

• Event Planners: Create personalized place cards with whittled monograms or laser-cut favors for weddings. Engrave event signage or carved keepsakes.

Explore Related Products:

• Walnut Hardwood: Pair with our rich, dark walnut hardwood for contrasting tones in carving, laser cutting, or furniture accents, offering a premium, durable finish.

• Cherry Hardwood: Combine with our warm, reddish cherry hardwood for vibrant, stain-friendly projects, ideal for detailed carvings or decorative inlays.

• Baltic Birch Plywood: Use our multi-layer birch plywood for stronger, stable bases in composite carving or cutting projects.

Specifications:

• Material: Basswood hardwood (Tilia americana), S4S (surfaced on all four sides), sustainably sourced from North American forests.

• Nominal Thickness Options:

  • 1/4" / 6mm (actual: 0.220–0.260")

  • 3/4" / 18mm (actual: 0.700–0.760")

• Width: 4 1/2" (114mm)

• Density: 2.333 lbs/BF (375 kg/m³)

• Finish: Smooth, planed on all sides; creamy white to light tan color with straight grain and fine texture; no protective masking.

• Tolerances: Cut tolerance of ±0.118" for all panel dimensions (in inches).

• Workability: Lightweight, durable, glue- and finish-receptive (stains/paints easily). Easy to cut, carve, or engrave; not recommended for nails/screws due to softness (Janka hardness: 410 lbs).

• Laser Compatibility: CO2 and diode laser compatible for cutting and engraving.

Pro Tip:

For optimal laser cutting, secure panels with a jig or tape to prevent movement, and use low power for clean edges with minimal char. For hand carving, start with sharp gouges and work with the grain to avoid tear-out. Sand lightly (220-grit) before finishing with oils or polyurethane for a satin sheen. Store panels flat in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent warping.

FAQs:

• Is basswood good for laser cutting? Yes, its soft, low-density grain cuts cleanly with CO2 or diode lasers, producing high-contrast engravings and minimal charring—ideal for beginners.

• Can I use basswood outdoors? Basswood is interior-grade and not naturally weather-resistant. For outdoor projects, seal with marine-grade varnish or consider treated alternatives.

• Is it safe for school projects? Yes! Basswood is non-toxic, odorless, and splinter-resistant, making it perfect for kids' carving or laser projects. Ensure ventilation during laser use.

• Can I paint or stain basswood? Absolutely. Its fine grain absorbs stains evenly for rich colors; prime before painting for best adhesion. Test on scraps for desired results.

• Can I use a diode laser? Yes, diode lasers engrave and cut basswood effectively with multiple passes for thicker pieces. Check your manual for settings.

• Is basswood suitable for pyrography (wood burning)? Yes, its light color and fine, even grain make it a top choice for pyrography, offering high contrast for detailed designs. Sand lightly (220-grit) and practice on scraps to perfect burn depth.