Domestic Hardwood - Poplar

Location

• Eastern United States.

Description

• Mostly a cream or yellowish brown color with streaks of gray or green in the board. Purple colored streaks in the wood are a result of mineral staining, with the more multi-colored streaks being referred to as Rainbow Poplar. Grain is straight and uniform with a medium texture. Pores of the lumber are closed. Poplar is the most common utility wood in the United States.

How well does it work?

• Poplar is one of the easiest species to work with hand and machine tools. The softness of the species may leave fuzzy surfaces and edges during shaping or sanding. Using a finer grit of sandpaper may be required for a smooth surface. Turning, gluing, staining, painting and drilling are rated as excellent.

Seasoning and Durability

• Decay resistance is considered moderately durable to non-durable.

Toxicity

• Poplar may have eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. Severe reactions are uncommon.

Common Uses

• Cabinetry, furniture frames, pallets, crates, and many other utility needs. Seldom used for appearance, with the exception of Rainbow Poplar.

• * Stock is currently available in limited quanities. This generally means we have less than 500 BF, or the stock is either all narrow or an odd length.

Sources:

• Forest Products Laboratory - US Department of Agriculuture Forest Service
• The Wood Database - Eric Meier
• World Woods in Color - William A. Lincoln
• HobbitHouse - Wood Identification Site