Paulownia
Paulownia tomentosa
Hardness
Very soft, dents easily; great for carving, poor for floors.
Overview
An extremely lightweight, fast-growing hardwood used for surfboards, guitar bodies, and lightweight boxes despite low hardness.
Commonly built
- Surfboard blanks
- Lightweight boxes
- Guitar bodies
Appearance
Pale tan to light brown, with a straight, open grain.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Very soft and easy to cut, but dents readily, avoid for anything that will see wear. Surprisingly stable and warp-resistant for its weight.
Common questions
How hard is Paulownia?
Paulownia has a Janka hardness of 245 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Paulownia suitable for outdoor use?
Paulownia is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is Paulownia to work with?
Paulownia has Excellent workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used paulownia, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.