Density

• Although neither wood is considered particularly strong, density properties can be used to determine strength. The density of basswood, 25 lbs. per cubic foot, results in strength that is higher than most types of cedar. The only exceptions being eastern red cedar and tropical American cedar.
  
  

Pressure

• Basswood also has a higher rupture point than all commonly available cedar woods, needing 8,700 lbs. of pressure per square inch to cause a break. Most cedars having a breaking point of approximately 5,600 to 6,400 lbs. Eastern red cedar needs approximately 9,500 lbs. of pressure per square inch, making it the closest to basswood in terms of pressure needed for a break.
  
  

Elasticity

• In terms of elasticity, basswood is less elastic that most cedars, having an elasticity rating of 1,500,000 lbs. per square inch. Ratings for cedars range from 808,000 to 1,200,000 lbs. per square inch.
  
  This means that basswood is less elastic because of the higher value, while cedar is generally more elastic because of the lower values. While this shows that cedar is more apt to constrict and expand with changes in temperature and location, its higher elasticity actually makes it slightly weaker.