Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable (poor resistance to rot and insect attack when used outdoors)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a fine, uniform texture and very subtle growth ring transitions.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to yellowish sapwood with distinct heartwood showing variable olive-green, brown, purple, and sometimes bluish streaks (often called mineral streaks or rainbow poplar). It tends to darken to a deeper brown/amber with prolonged UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable (poor resistance to rot and insect attack when used outdoors)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 3.00 to 5.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently surfaced kiln-dried lumber (less than 1 year old)
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, IUCN Least Concern. Readily available, abundant, and sustainable.
Common Uses
Interior cabinetry, furniture framing, mouldings, plywood core stock, drawer sides, turnings, and painted trim.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability. Cuts, planes, routs, and sands very easily with both hand and machine tools, though sharp blades are needed to prevent fuzzy surfaces on softer springwood.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, stains, and clear finishes exceptionally well. Due to its tendency to blotch with dark stains, a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended if uniform dark coloring is desired.
Notable Features
Features distinct olive-green and purplish heartwood coloration known as mineral streaking. It is lightweight, stable once dried, and exceptionally dimensionally stable for a hardwood.