Poplar

Specs

Common Names

Poplar

Scientific Name

Populus

Origin

North America, Europe, Asia

Appearance

Poplar heartwood is usually pale yellow to light brown, although can sometimes exhibit gray or greenish streaks. The sapwood is pale white to yellow. The wood has a fine and even texture with straight grain. It may contain occasional mineral streaks or burls.

Avg. Dried Weight

22-29 lbs/ft3 (350-460 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

540 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

7,800 lbf/in2 (53.8 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,640,000 lbf/in2 (11.3 GPa)

Crushing Strength

4,830 lbf/in2 (33.3 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.0%, Tangential: 8.4%, Volumetric: 12.8%, T/R Ratio: 2.1

Durability

Rated as non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attacks.

Workability

Poplar wood is relatively easy to work with hand and machine tools. It has good nailing and screwing properties and glues well. It can be stained, painted, and finished easily. The wood is known for its ability to take both paint and stain well, making it a popular choice for painted or stained finishes.