| Name | Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) |
| Type | Hardwood. |
| Other Names | Also known as lanero, polak, tami, topa. |
| Sources | Grows in Central America, South America, Indonesia, and India (most comes from Ecuador). |
| Appearance | Straight grained and spongy with a pale beige to pinkish color. |
| Physical Props | Low in absolute strength, stiffness, and shock resistance, although quite strong for its weight. Quite stable in use. Possibly the easiest wood to cut, shape and sand. Not suitable for steam bending. |
| Working Props | Finishes fairly well but porous composition soaks up finish. |
| Uses | Used for insulation, sound modifiers, buoyancy aids, model-making, cushioning, core stock. |
| Comments | Softest and lightest commercial hardwood. |
