About the wood
Poplar
Liriodendron tulipifera
The paint-grade workhorse and the value pick, not a true poplar at all but Liriodendron, the tulip tree, whose 6 to 8 ft trunks are why poplar tops come so wide for the money.
- Janka
- 540 lbf
- Density
- 29.0 lb/ft³
- Origin
- Eastern United States
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern
Working & finishing
Very easy to work in almost all regards; softness is its one real downside. Its low density can leave fuzzy surfaces and edges during shaping and sanding, so sand to finer grits for a smooth face. Poplar is paint-grade: it takes paint and dye well, and a clear finish will show the color darken with light. A film finish or paint hides seasonal hairline movement better than oil.
Care
Wipe spills promptly and clean with a damp cloth. Poplar dents under hard use, so use cutting boards and trivets and expect marks over time. Keep it indoors and out of wet service; touch up paint or film finish as wear shows.