balsa wood

Balsa wood is a lightweight, soft wood originating mainly from Central and South America. Known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, it is easily cut and shaped, making it popular in model building, crafts, and lightweight structural applications. Despite its softness, balsa is durable and absorbs shock well. Its cellular structure contains a high volume of air pockets, which contribute to its lightness and insulating properties. While it isn’t suitable for heavy-duty construction, balsa's balance of strength, lightness, and ease of work make it a versatile material in various lightweight and precision projects.