The attributes of hardness, denseness, and heavyness are typically the most important aspects of hardwoods such as hickory, mahogany, and teak. In fact, however, there is an equally important market for very soft, very lightweight, very porous wood. Balsa's unusual characteristics make it desirable for a wide variety of commercial uses. It is buoyant, a good insulator against heat and cold and absorbs sound and vibration well. Balsa's value is chronically underestimated because of its association with model building and novelties - most familiarly that most wonderful toy from our youth, the model airplane glider.
Balsa has a long list of very interesting uses.
Due to its buoyancy it is primarily used in floatation devices, life preservers, rafts, boat hulls and speed boats. Due to its light weight it is used in aircraft flooring, recreational vehicles, off road vehicles and subway cars. Also, in artificial limbs, bathtub and shower stall bottoms and theatrical props. Due to its porosity it is used in insulation, cushioning, sound proofing, vibration modifying and other musical and theatrical needs. Due to its combination of lightness and ruggedness, it is used by the U.S. Army for combat-ready cargo containers and for chemical containment tanks.