Poplar (Yellow Poplar / Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 540 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Slightly Durable to Non-durable; low natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Best suited for interior applications.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight and uniform with a fine, even texture. Shows faint growth rings and subtle light machine tooling marks across the face.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light greenish-yellow heartwood with whitish sapwood. Poplar often exhibits greenish hues or dark mineral streaks and tends to darken to amber or brown upon exposure to light.
Hardness (Janka)
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable to Non-durable; low natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Best suited for interior applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 to $4.50 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber block cut recently (likely within 1-5 years), showing raw machine-sawn surface marks without significant oxidation or wear.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); highly abundant and sustainable; widely available certified by FSC.
Common Uses
Cabinetry framing, painted furniture, drawer sides, interior trim, moldings, plywood cores, wood turning, and utility crafts.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Very easy to work with both hand and power tools. Glues, sands, and holds nails/screws extremely well. Can sometimes produce fuzzy surfaces if tools are dull.
Finish Recommendations
Takes paint exceptionally well. For clear finishes, gel stains, wiping varnish, shellac, or polyurethane work well, though sealer coats are recommended due to uneven absorption.
Notable Features
Lightweight, odorless, non-toxic, soft grain structure that absorbs finishes easily, distinct greenish tint in raw state.
