In general, lime wood refers to the timber of the Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata) or the Large-leaved Lime (Tilia platyphyllos). It also includes the Common Lime (Tilia x europaea), which is a hybrid of the two.
There are almost no differences between the wood of these lime species, so they are usually treated the same. Lime wood is relatively soft and medium-weight. It is tough, with low elasticity and strength.
It undergoes significant shrinkage during drying; however, once dried, it hardly "works" or cracks. Annual rings are only faintly visible.
Lime has a light heartwood that is barely distinguishable from the sapwood. In terms of color, lime is light-toned—ranging from whitish to yellowish, sometimes with a reddish or brownish tint. Carved surfaces exhibit a beautiful luster.
Lime wood is excellent for processing. it can be carved or turned effortlessly. Furthermore, the surfaces are very easy to treat and polish.
Under sunlight, it tends to yellow, and contact with iron in the presence of moisture leads to gray discolorations.
Lime is arguably one of the most popular woods for carving because it is very easy to work with and carves exceptionally well.