Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; moderate to low resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to moderately irregular grain with a medium to fine uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood can range from light yellowish-brown to olive green or even purplish tones; sapwood is a pale creamy white. The wood darkens with age and exposure to light, turning a deep brownish color.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; moderate to low resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 5.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled or recently dried rough-sawn lumber (0-5 years old).
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, highly sustainable, widely available in North America, not listed on CITES.
Common Uses
Furniture framing, cabinetry, interior trim, plywood, toys, and general utility millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptionally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes, cuts, and glues well, though sharp tools are required to prevent fuzzy surfaces due to its softer nature.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, stains, and clear finishes very well. Due to greenish undertones in heartwood, toning or pigment stains are sometimes used before clear coating.
Notable Features
Stable, lightweight, has a moderately low density, and accepts paint exceptionally well.