Poplar (Yellow Poplar / Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; non-resistant to heartwood decay and vulnerable to insect attack when exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium to fine uniform texture; flat-sawn appearance showing subtle cathedral patterns and characteristic mineral streaks.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white sapwood with heartwood displaying a wide range of colors from pale yellowish-brown to olive green, tan, and dark purplish-brown mineral streaks. Low to moderate natural luster. Darkens and turns a deeper amber-brown color upon exposure to light and air.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; non-resistant to heartwood decay and vulnerable to insect attack when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 2.00 to 4.50 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber (air-dried or kiln-dried within the last few months to a year).
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; highly sustainable and readily available from sustainably managed forests in North America.
Common Uses
Interior furniture framing, painted cabinetry, moldings, trim, millwork, plywood core stock, and secondary furniture parts.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptional workability; cuts, planes, turns, glues, and takes paint or stain very well. Can sometimes be prone to fuzzy surfaces during sanding if dull sandpaper is used due to its relative softness.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints exceptionally well. If staining, a pre-stain wood conditioner is recommended to achieve an even color because the wood can absorb stain blotchily. Can be finished with lacquer, polyurethane, or varnish.
Notable Features
Features distinct olive-green and purplish mineral streaks as seen in the sample; lightweight, dimensionally stable once dried, and possesses moderate bending strength.
