Origin
There are several species of linden tree, but the common lime tree, also known as Tilia platyphyllos in Latin, is a very common tree species in the forests of Europe, especially in the areas of the centre and the south of the continent, extending to areas of western Asia. In Spain, we can find some species in the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees and also in the Serranía of Cuenca, with some types in Catalonia that are known in this region as “tell”.
Colour
The lime tree wood has a yellow-white light colour that can turn into brown once dried. As happened with alder wood, its sapwood it is not differentiated from its heartwood. Also the rings of the trunk are poorly marked.
Texture
The lime tree wood has a straight grain and an exceptionally fine grain.
Durability
When we speak about the lime tree wood, we speak of a medium durability, rather low, against fungi, although it is hardly sensitive to the attack of larvae and termites.
Features
It is a softwood timber, that is why it is very easy to be carved and its light colour favors pigmentation treatments with wax, varnishes, dyes, etc. Its drying is fast, but it can be deformed, although the finish is usually excellent. The lime tree wood is much appreciated especially by the carvers of sculpture, as it is easy and pleasant to work with, but precisely for that, it is also used by the beginners: it allows nailing and screwing smoothly and gluing.
Applications
The lime tree wood has been used for many centuries for its great properties of homogeneity for its usefulness. Its most common applications are developing carvings and sculptures, furniture manufacturing in cabinet, in cases and kits sectors, to make ornaments, railings or shoe lasts.