Balsa core is a closed cell structure that is available in sheet form for flat panel construction or in a scrim-backed block arrangement that conforms to complex curves.   This consists of small blocks of end grain balsa attached to a fine scrim netting. The flat panels can be used for bulkheads and furniture and the flexible scrim-backed core for shaped hull and deck construction.  End grain balsa has a high compressive strength, and is ideal as a core material for decks and power boat hulls. It exhibits good stiffness and bond strength however impact absorption is lower than for PVC foam and, in the case of damage, water absorption can be a problem. Best restricted to use in decks and superstructures where water penetration is not so likely to occur.

BALSA

DuraKore ™ is a product marketed by Baltek Corporation and provides the properties of an end grain balsa core material without the need of a mold.  It will form a compound shape over a set of temporary frames in the same manner as the cedar strip plank building method. It comes in planks that are made from sandwiching rigid sheets of end grain balsa between two layers of thin veneer. The sheets are then cut into planks or narrow strips, which have finger joints at each end to allow them to be scarf joined to make up the required length. The core is then covered on both sides with fibreglass to form an effective sandwich structure.  Due to water penetration, all forms of balsa when used as core materials have become discredited over the past few years so may best be avoided.