softwood · Abies balsamea
Balsam Fir wood properties
Also known as: canadian balsam, eastern fir.
| Type | softwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Abies balsamea |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,387,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.40 |
| Density (approx) | 25 lb/ft³ (2.1 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 400 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 6.9% / 2.9% |
| Region | Northeastern North America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Balsam Fir weighs about 8.3 lb (roughly 25 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 400 lbf is harder than about 4% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: construction lumber, plywood, paper pulpwood, utility wood.
Durability: Non-durable to perishable, with scant defense against insects.
Workability: Hand and power tools both handle it readily; stains, finishes and glues well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Balsam Fir:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Balsam Fir is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table, so CT/CR are omitted. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.