Is Poplar A Good Hardwood

Poplar is an example of a tree that is technically a hardwood but had density and hardness that is more typical of a softwood.

Is poplar a good hardwood.

The resilience of wood is typically measured with something known as a janka scale. Poplar slides toward the lower end of the hardness scale with a rating of 540. Poplar is a hardwood but it isn t a hard wood. The distinction between and softwood is related to how the species produces seeds.

Poplar tulip poplar yellow poplar tulipwood white poplar liriodendron tulipifera. Poplar comes from a dicot which makes it a hardwood. In general hardwood trees grow slowly and as a result are more hard and dense but this isnt always the case. Blue ash has the highest janka rating at 2 030 with a specific gravity of 0 58.

It has a medium steam bending classification. Staining poplar wood is another matter entirely. A good choice for beginner woodworkers. The most common species in the united states yellow poplar liriodendron tulipifera is found throughout the northeast as well as in canada and.

In its native form poplar tends to take stain in a very blotchy manner. It is soft and lightweight but very strong with a fine even texture. Red maple for example is used for gymnasium floors and butcher blocks and has a janka rating of 950. Because poplar is not the most beautiful wood it s rarely used in fine furniture and if it is it s almost always painted.

Sugar maple black maple sweet birch yellow birch and white ash are all strong hardwoods. Poplar is white with some green or brown streaks in the heartwood. During a janka hardness test a metal ball the size of a bb is pressed into the wood until its embedded halfway. And with good reason.

A high janka number is a good indicator that the wood species will make tough flooring countertops or fine furniture. Poplar is a hardwood tree that produces soft wood when compared to other hardwood trees. For good results when staining it is imperative that all surfaces are prepared properly with a couple of coats of a pre stain wood conditioner this will allow the stain to be absorbed much more evenly and will make the bland grain pop a bit more. How dense hard is poplar wood.

Poplar woods are unsuitable for projects requiring hardwood. Poplar can be a good choice for drawers where it won t be seen because it is stable and inexpensive. Poplar is a medium density wood with low bending shock resistance stiffness and compression values.