Poplar (Yellow Poplar / Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight, plain-sawn, medium-to-fine texture with slight wavy variation and prominent bands across the grain face from saw marks.
Color & Appearance
Light cream to pale yellowish sapwood with distinct darker olive-green to brownish heartwood streak in the center, typical of freshly cut or unexposed poplar.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled raw lumber (under 1 year old), showing fresh circular saw/band saw blade marks and minimal uv exposure or oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely abundant, sustainably harvested, and available FSC-certified.
Common Uses
Paint-grade cabinetry, interior trim, furniture frames, drawer sides, plywood cores, turnings, and pallets.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and fastens well, though can leave a fuzzy surface when planed or sanded if tools are dull.
Finish Recommendations
Excellent for painting or staining with a gel stain/pre-stain conditioner to prevent blotchiness; clear coats like polyurethane or lacquer highlight the natural green heartwood tones before they turn brown.
Notable Features
Characteristic greenish-brown heartwood coloration that gradually oxidizes to brown upon exposure to UV light; low odor, non-toxic, lightweight.
