American
Grown Paulownia Wood...
the Cheaper, Stronger Alternative to Balsa Wood
Paulownia
Wood Founder and Nationally recognized Horticulturist
Buck Mizzell, holds an 8 foot 2"x4" |
Balsa
has been incorrectly considered to have the highest
strength to weight ratios of any wood in the world.
Paulownia
has been thoroughly tested and found to have a
higher strength to weight ratio than Balsa!
Auburn
University tested the strength of 18 lb p/cubic
ft. Paulownia against Balsa, with an average weight
of 10 lbs p/cubic foot.
(See
Table 1) |
TABLE 1
| Strength
modus of rupture mor (psi) |
| Balsa |
2800 |
| Paulownia |
5740 |
| - Source: Dr. R.C. Tang, Auburn University |
Some
Balsa core material is sliced at 3/8 inch with end-grained
material. Paulownia can be cut at 3/16 and offer approximately
the same strength and weight. Paulownia offers a space
saving benefit, being cut half as thick. There is also
a significant cost savings because half as much material
is needed.
Lightweight
|
Strong
- 2 X 4 holds over 200 pounds! |
Lighter
grades of Paulownia weigh only 14lbs per cubic foot.
This is lighter than many Balsa grades.
When
considering the large amount of epoxy that Balsa soaks
up, Paulownia gains an even larger weight advantage.
Paulownia
is easily carved and can hold nails and screws without
splitting. It also provides greater stability and flexibility
for making molds and models.
