Poplar (Yellow Poplar / Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if left untreated or in ground contact.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with a medium to fine, even texture. Flat-sawn appearance visible on the face with subtle growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white sapwood with heartwood showing characteristic greenish-yellow to light brown hues, often featuring grayish or purple streaks. Low to moderate natural luster; darkens to a warm brownish color over time upon exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack if left untreated or in ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.00 to $4.00 per board foot (domestic US hardwood pricing)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled lumber, estimated to be freshly cut or airdried within the last 1 to 3 years based on surface oxidation and tool marks.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant, highly sustainable, not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red lists, widely available FSC certified.
Common Uses
Interior trim, moldings, cabinetry, furniture framing, plywood, turnings, and painted woodwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Exceptionally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Cuts, planes, and sands smoothly, though care must be taken with sharp blades to avoid fuzzing due to its relative softness. Glues, screws, and holds paint exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paints, enamels, and solid stains exceptionally well due to uniform texture. For transparent finishes, a toner or stain is often used to mask the greenish/yellowish color variations if a uniform brown tone is desired.
Notable Features
Lightweight, stable when properly dried, excellent dimensional stability, highly receptive to paints and opaque finishes, contains natural mineral streaks (often purplish or dark gray/green).
