Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood / American Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; low natural resistance to decay, moisture, and insect attack. Best suited for interior applications or painted exterior work.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, fine, and uniform grain texture; visible fine band pattern showing a flat-sawn/rough-sawn surface with circular mill saw marks.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to pale yellowish sapwood with characteristically olive-green to dark brownish/greyish streaks in the heartwood. It darkens over time with UV exposure to a brownish amber tone.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; low natural resistance to decay, moisture, and insect attack. Best suited for interior applications or painted exterior work.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot depending on grade, thickness, and regional market.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled air-dried or kiln-dried rough lumber (under 2 years old), showing fresh mill kerf marks and minimal surface patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN Red List); abundant stock, non-CITES listed, widely certified by FSC.
Common Uses
Furniture framing, cabinetry interiors, millwork, interior trim, painted woodwork, plywood core, turning, and general utility lumber.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Excellent workability with hand and power tools; cuts, sands, and glues extremely well. Can leave fuzzy surfaces during planing or routing if tools are dull, requiring sharp cutters.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paint and stains easily. A pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended before applying dark oil-based stains to ensure even penetration and avoid blotchiness.
Notable Features
Distinctive olive-green heartwood mineral streaks; lightweight for a hardwood; very stable with minimal movement once dried; absorbs paint exceptionally well.
