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Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is balsa wood and what is it used for?
Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale) is a tropical hardwood from Ecuador and Central America that is the lightest commercial wood available, with a density of approximately 120 kg/m3 — far lighter than most softwoods. Despite being classified as a hardwood botanically, balsa is extremely soft and is used for model making, RC aircraft, surfboard cores, marine sandwich core construction, and lightweight craft applications where extreme low weight is the primary requirement.
Why is balsa used in model aircraft and RC building?
Balsa's very low density combined with adequate stiffness for its weight makes it ideal for model aircraft frames and structures where minimizing weight is essential. It cuts cleanly with hobby knives, sands easily, and glues with cyanoacrylate or balsa cement. Its workability with simple hand tools makes it accessible to hobbyists without power equipment.
Is balsa structurally strong despite being so light?
Balsa has a remarkably high strength-to-weight ratio for its density, which is why it is used in sandwich panel construction for marine and aerospace applications. However, its absolute strength values are very low compared to other woods. It dents and compresses easily under point loads and is not appropriate for any structural application where hardness or impact resistance matters.
What dimensions does Windsor Plywood carry balsa in?
Windsor Plywood carries balsa in sheets and blocks suited for model making and craft applications. Standard thicknesses include 1.5mm, 3mm, 6mm, and sheet sizes commonly used in model building. Availability varies by location. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current balsa stock.
How do I glue and finish balsa?
Balsa bonds well with cyanoacrylate (CA) glue, PVA wood glue, and balsa cement. CA glue is the fastest option for model building. For finishing, balsa requires sealing before painting as its porous surface absorbs large amounts of paint. Sanding sealer, doping, or a thinned coat of PVA applied before paint significantly reduces absorption and produces a smoother finished surface.