Poplar (Yellow Poplar)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture or ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to medium-irregular grain with a fine, even texture. Flat-sawn surface showing mild cathedral patterning.
Color & Appearance
Light cream to yellowish sapwood with heartwood showing characteristic olive-green, brown, and sometimes purplish mineral streaks. Low natural luster, ages to a more uniform brown upon prolonged exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to rot and insect attack when exposed to moisture or ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 5.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated at 10 to 30 years old based on surface wear and oxidation characteristics.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern, abundant in North America, widely available and sustainably managed.
Common Uses
Interior furniture framing, painted cabinetry, painted millwork, moldings, plywood cores, and general utility construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes, turns, glues, and takes paint exceptionally well. Can sometimes cause slight fuzziness during sanding if sandpaper is not sharp.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for opaque paints due to its varied natural color and greenish hues, though it can be stained if a dark finish is desired to mask color variation.
Notable Features
Features characteristic greenish mineral streaks which are typical of yellow poplar heartwood; lightweight, stable when dried, and very easy to paint.
