Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood / Tulip Poplar)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight to medium-straight grain with a fine, even texture. Flat-sawn appearance showing subtle growth ring boundaries.
Color & Appearance
Light cream to yellowish-brown heartwood, sometimes featuring streaks of green, purple, or gray. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white and distinct from the heartwood. Luster is medium. Color tends to darken to a deeper golden-brown or greenish-brown upon prolonged UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 2.00 to 4.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively freshly milled or modern stock, estimated at 1 to 5 years old based on lack of heavy oxidation or patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), highly sustainable, widely available, and fast-growing throughout its native range.
Common Uses
Interior furniture framing, cabinetry, interior trim and molding, plywood, pallets, and general construction. Frequently used as a secondary wood or painted substrate.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, cuts, and routs cleanly, though sharp tools are necessary to avoid fuzzy surfaces due to its relatively soft nature. Glues, stains, and paints extremely well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, stains, and clear finishes exceptionally well. Due to its tendency to blotch with dark stains, a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended if uniform color is desired.
Notable Features
Lightweight, stable when dry, and possesses a moderate natural resistance to movement. Often contains mineral streaks that vary from dark green to purplish-brown.
