Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a uniform pattern. Being utility grade, it lacks decorative figure and shows a flat-sawn orientation.
Color Description
Creamy white to pale yellow sapwood with heartwood ranging from olive green to yellow-brown. The sample shows typical oxidation toward a tan/brown hue with exposure.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if used in ground contact or moisture-heavy environments.
Common Uses
Light construction, furniture frames, cabinetry interiors, moulding, trim, plywood, and crates.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent (1-5 years) based on the fresh appearance of the machine marks and minimal graying or deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and highly sustainable.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools. It is very easy to plane, sand, and glue, though its softness makes it prone to denting and leaving fuzzy surfaces if tools are dull.
Notable Features
Faint peppery scent when cut; known for taking paint and stain very well; technically a hardwood but structurally functions like a softwood.
Finish Recommendations
Primarily recommended for painting. If staining, a sealer or wood conditioner is necessary to prevent blotchiness. Water-based polyurethanes work well.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic green/yellow tint, the fine/closed grain structure, and the soft fibrous nature of the saw marks are classic markers of Liriodendron tulipifera.