Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable, susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with soil
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Grain Pattern
Straight to medium-coarse uniform texture with a plain flat-sawn appearance
Color & Appearance
Light creamy yellow to yellowish-brown sapwood with occasional streaks of olive-green, purple, or gray heartwood that tends to darken to a deeper brown upon exposure to light
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, susceptible to insect attack and decay when in contact with soil
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 to $4.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or harvested within the last few months to a year, minimal oxidation
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably managed
Common Uses
Interior trim, cabinetry, framing, furniture core stock, plywood, and painted millwork
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; cuts, planes, and glues very easily, though sharp tools are needed to prevent fuzzy surfaces due to its softer density
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, stains, and varnishes exceptionally well; often used under opaque painted finishes because of its smooth texture
Notable Features
Fast-growing, lightweight, stable when dried, often shows a wide variety of mineral streak colors when freshly cut