Poplar (Yellow Poplar / Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-durable; low resistance to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, plain-sawn, with uniform texture and soft, wide growth rings typical of fast-growing temperate hardwoods.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to pale yellowish sapwood transitioning into a characteristic olive-greenish to grayish heartwood hue.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-durable; low resistance to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber cut; newly milled dimensional board showing minimal surface oxidation or aging.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); highly sustainable and abundantly harvested across North America; wide FSC availability.
Common Uses
Cabinetry framing, drawer sides, interior trim/molding, painted furniture, core stock for plywood, and craft projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to machine, plane, route, and sand. Soft nature allows easy cutting but may leave fuzzy surfaces if tools are dull.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for painting; if clear-finished, a film finish like polyurethane or lacquer works well after sealer coat to prevent uneven absorption.
Notable Features
Distinct green/olive heartwood color cast that oxidizes to brown over time with light exposure; lightweight and accepts paint exceptionally well.
