Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine grain with a uniform texture. Medium density and largely inconspicuous growth rings, shown here in a flat-sawn orientation.
Color Description
Natural heartwood varies from light cream to yellowish-brown with characteristic greenish or mineral streaks. This specific sample appears to have a dark grey-brown stain applied, visible where the top surface is chipped away to reveal a lighter, yellowish wood underneath.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Furniture frames, cabinetry (usually painted), interior trim, plywood, pallets, and musical instruments (organ pipes).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern commodity lumber, likely 10-30 years old, evidenced by the modern finish style and uniform milling.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability; one of the easiest hardwoods to machine, plane, and sand. It takes paint exceptionally well, though it can be blotchy when stained without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
Often called 'the painter's wood' due to its smooth surface. Low density for a hardwood; lacks a distinctive scent; may cause mild skin irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Paint is the most common finish. If staining, use a wood conditioner to prevent blotching. Polyurethane or lacquer are suitable topcoats.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the yellowish-green substrate revealed beneath the dark stain, combined with the diffuse-porous grain structure and soft impact marks, is highly characteristic of Poplar used in secondary furniture surfaces.