Yellow Poplar (also known as Tulipwood or Tulip Poplar)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if left in contact with the ground or exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a fine, uniform texture. Flat-sawn surface displaying characteristic diffuse-porous arrangement.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white sapwood with heartwood displaying a range of colors from pale yellowish-brown to olive green, with occasional streaks of purple, blue, black, or grey (often called mineral streaks, visible as greenish-grey tones in the sample). Colors tend to darken and turn a deep brown or amber upon prolonged exposure to UV light.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if left in contact with the ground or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.00 to $3.50 per board foot (standard domestic utility hardwood pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber (under 5 years old), showing fresh surface characteristics and minimal natural patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and of least concern; widely available, fast-growing, and sustainably harvested across its native range.
Common Uses
Interior trim, cabinetry, furniture framing, plywood, molding, musical instruments (piano parts), and paint-grade millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; planes, cuts, and routs very cleanly with sharp tools. Holds glue and screws well, and takes paint exceptionally well, though it can occasionally tear out if dull blades are used.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts paints and opaque finishes brilliantly. For transparent finishes, a sanding sealer followed by varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane works well, though staining can sometimes appear blotchy due to soft wood pores.
Notable Features
Lightweight yet structurally stable, highly reactive to light causing color shifts, contains natural mineral streaks which cause the characteristic greenish-grey patches.
