Lumber prices / Basswood
Basswood Price per Board Foot
Basswood is the carver's wood: soft, fine, and almost grainless, so a knife goes where you point it. It is technically a hardwood but softer than most pine, which makes it poor for anything structural and perfect for detail work.
Typical price per board foot$3 – $6
TypeHardwood (Domestic)
Density (12% MC)26 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.2 lb
Janka hardness410 lbf
Common usesCarving, blinds, model making, secondary furniture parts
What common boards cost
Board feet times the price per board foot. These use the $3 to $6 range above.
| Board | Board feet | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 x 6 x 8 ft | 4.00 | $12 – $24 |
| 1 x 8 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $16 – $32 |
| 2 x 4 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $16 – $32 |
To price a full order, put $5 (or your dealer's number) into the board foot calculator and add every board to the tally.
Hardwoods with similar hardness
Basswood rates 410 lbf on the Janka scale. These sit closest to it, so they take similar wear and usually swap in without changing how the piece holds up. Price is often the deciding factor.
| Species | Janka | Per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Poplar | 540 lbf | $3 – $5 |
| Red Alder | 590 lbf | $4 – $7 |
| American Sycamore | 770 lbf | $3 – $6 |
| Genuine Mahogany | 800 lbf | $12 – $20 |
Full range on the lumber prices page, and weight per board foot if shipping or floor load matters.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does basswood cost per board foot?
- Basswood commonly runs about $3 to $6 per board foot at retail, with wide, thick, or figured boards costing more. This is a planning range, not a quote, so confirm with your dealer.
- How much does basswood weigh?
- About 2.2 pounds per board foot kiln-dried, based on an average density of 26 lb/ft³ at 12% moisture content. Green stock weighs more.
- Is basswood a hardwood or a softwood?
- Basswood is a hardwood (domestic), with a Janka hardness of 410 lbf.