Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood)
Liriodendron tulipifera • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight, fine-textured grain with a uniform and medium-to-light cathedral figure on face grain; generally lacks dramatic figure like bird's eye or curl.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light cream to yellowish-brown with characteristic greenish or greyish streaks; sapwood is pale white to off-white. The color tends to darken to a brown/honey hue upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
540 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left exposed to the elements without treatment.
Common Uses
Light construction, furniture frames, cabinetry (paint-grade), interior trim, plywood, crates, pallets, and musical instrument components.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 - $4.50 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
New stock; based on the fresh milling marks, lack of oxidation, and clean surface, this appears to be kiln-dried dimensional lumber less than 1-2 years old.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is common.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, saws, and sands easily, though it can be prone to fuzzing if tools are not sharp. It glues and finishes well, particularly for painted applications.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when being worked; known for its tendency to display a green mineral tint in the heartwood. It is relatively lightweight for a hardwood but offers good dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Primarily used for paint-grade applications due to color inconsistency. If staining, a pre-stain conditioner is recommended to prevent blotching. Polyurethane or lacquer works well for clear coats.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the pale yellow-green color palette, fine tight grain, and light weight is highly characteristic of Liriodendron tulipifera common in North American workshops.