Balsa Can Weigh Just Six Pounds per Cubic Foot

Balsa is the lightest and softest commercial wood. Selected dry lumber averages about 11 pounds per cubic foot, while exceptionally light pieces can weigh only six pounds per cubic foot.

Why it’s surprising: Its extremely porous structure makes Balsa remarkably buoyant and effective for rafts, floats, insulation, models and vibration-dampening applications.