Yellow Poplar (Tulip Tree)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario)
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if used in outdoor, high-moisture environments.
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Grain Pattern
Typically straight and uniform; lacks distinctive figure but can occasionally show subtle curly patterns or mineral staining.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically light cream to yellowish brown, often with grey or green streaks; Sapwood is pale white to creamy yellow. Colors tend to darken to a more olive-brown or tan with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if used in outdoor, high-moisture environments.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.00 per board foot (standard retail)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Living specimen: Estimated 40-70 years based on trunk diameter and bark texture development.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected; often FSC certified.
Common Uses
Light construction, furniture frames, cabinetry interior components, plywood, paper pulp, and trim/molding (usually painted).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario)
Workability
Excellent workability; easy to machine, plane, and sand. It holds glue and nails well, though it is quite soft and can dent easily.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for paint or opaque stains; if natural, a drying oil or polyurethane is recommended, though its green mineral streaks can be difficult to manage with transparent stains.
Notable Features
Often called 'Tulipwood' or 'Canoe Wood'. It has a very faint scent when being worked and is known for its ability to take paint extremely well due to its fine, uniform texture.
