Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a subtle, uniform pattern. Surface shows hints of flat-sawn cathedral arcs that are very faint.
Color Description
Creamy white to pale yellowish-brown heartwood with potential for grey or greenish mineral streaks. Sapwood is off-white and not always clearly demarcated; darkens to a more golden-tan with age.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to slightly durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Light construction, furniture frames, cabinetry interiors, moulding, trim, plywood, and woodenware. Frequently used as a secondary wood or for painted projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled raw lumber, likely less than 1-2 years old based on the lack of oxidation and bright, pale color.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It is very easy to plane, sand, and glue. Careful tooling is needed as it can be prone to 'fuzzing' if blades are not sharp.
Notable Features
Often develops a distinctive greenish hue in the heartwood. It is lightweight, relatively low in density for a hardwood, and has very little scent when dry.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or darker stains. Due to its porous nature, a sanding sealer is recommended before staining to avoid blotchiness.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic pale cream color with subtle greenish undertones and exceptionally uniform, tight grain is diagnostic of Poplar.