Basswood, particularly as surfaced lumber, generally costs between $6.95 and $9.80 per board foot, with the price varying based on the specific dimensions of the wood. This pricing reflects its desirability for various applications due to its unique properties.
Understanding Basswood Pricing
The worth of basswood, like most lumber, is primarily determined by its market price per board foot. Key factors influencing this price include the wood's dimensions (especially width for a given thickness) and the level of surfacing or processing it has undergone. Wider boards often command a higher price per board foot due to their versatility and the larger, clear pieces they yield.
Current Basswood Lumber Costs
For 4/4 (one-inch nominal thickness) basswood that has been surfaced on all four sides (S4S) to a finished thickness of 13/16", here's a breakdown of typical costs based on width:
| Width (Nominal) | Cost Per Board Foot |
|---|---|
| 4 inches | $6.95/bdft |
| 5 inches | $6.95/bdft |
| 6 inches | $7.80/bdft |
| 8 inches | $9.80/bdft |
Key Lumber Terminology Explained
To fully understand the pricing of basswood lumber, it's helpful to know some common woodworking terms:
- Board Foot (bdft): This is the standard unit of measurement for lumber. One board foot is equivalent to a piece of wood that is 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 1 inch thick. It's calculated by multiplying the nominal thickness (in inches) by the nominal width (in inches) by the length (in feet), then dividing by 12. For more details on board foot calculations, you can refer to general woodworking resources.
- 4/4 (Four-Quarter): This notation refers to the nominal thickness of the rough-sawn lumber, meaning it is nominally one inch thick. The first number indicates the numerator, and the "4" indicates the denominator, so 4/4 equals 1 inch.
- S4S (Surfaced Four Sides): This indicates that the lumber has been planed smooth on all four faces and edges. This process reduces the actual dimensions slightly but provides a ready-to-use, uniform piece of wood.
- Surfaced to 13/16": This specifies the actual, finished thickness of the 4/4 board after it has been planed smooth from its nominal 1-inch thickness.
Why Basswood is Valued
Basswood is highly valued in various woodworking applications due to its unique characteristics:
- Workability: It is exceptionally soft, light, and easy to work with hand tools and machinery, making it a favorite for carvers and model makers. Its fine, uniform grain also prevents splintering.
- Stability: Basswood is known for its stability, resisting warping and cracking, which is crucial for intricate projects.
- Finishing: It takes stains and paints well, allowing for a wide range of finishes.
- Common Uses: Its desirable properties make it ideal for:
- Wood carving
- Model building
- Musical instrument parts (e.g., guitar bodies)
- Venetian blind slats
- Drawer sides and backs
- Hobby and craft projects
Its consistent demand in these specialized niches contributes to its stable market value.
