Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood / Tulip Poplar)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable. Poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to medium-straight grain with a relatively uniform, fine-to-medium texture. Shows some subtle flat-sawn cathedral patterns on the face.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to yellowish-tan sapwood with occasional greenish or grayish-brown streaks (mineral streaks) in the heartwood. It tends to darken to a deeper brown/amber patina upon exposure to ultraviolet light.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable. Poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack if left untreated or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.00 to $3.50 per board foot (typical domestic hardwood pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively recently milled (under 5 years old), given the clean surface and lack of heavy oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not CITES listed or IUCN threatened), highly sustainable and widely available in North America.
Common Uses
Interior trim, moldings, cabinetry, furniture framing, plywood cores, interior millwork, and painted woodwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, cuts, and turns cleanly, though sharp tools are needed to prevent slight fuzzing due to its softer density. Glues, nails, and takes paint exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts paints, stains, and clear finishes very well. Because of its variable natural color and greenish undertones, it is most frequently used with opaque paints or dark stains rather than clear finishes.
Notable Features
Often displays mineral streaks ranging from green to purple. Very stable once dried, lightweight, and works well as a substrate for painted finishes.
