Populus is a genus of 25–30 species of deciduous flowering plants in the family Salicaceae, native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. English names variously applied to different species include poplar, aspen, and cottonwood.
ADANACK NOTES
Poplar is one of the most common utility hardwoods on the market and is widely used in the United States. Other Common Names: Tulipwood, tulip-poplar, white-poplar, yellow poplar, whitewood. The flowers of this tree look similar to tulips, hence the common alternate name: Tulip Poplar. Our standing as both commercial and residential timber suppliers means you can come directly to us for your Poplar timber needs as well as all our other timber products saving you costs on what can be an expensive outlay when dealing with multiple middlemen.
PROPERTIES
General Description
Its sapwood is white, sometimes with stripes; the heartwood is usually tan, but can range from greenish brown to dark green, purple, black, blue and yellow. The wood is straight grained, uniform in texture and moderate to light weight.
Uses
It is used for pallets, crates, construction grade lumber and plywood. Yellow poplar is used in furniture, doors, millwork, baskets and picture frames.
Seasoning
Dries rapidly and fairly well, with a tendency to retain local pockets of moisture, and for knots to split.
Working Properties
Very easy to work in almost all regards. There are few downsides to using Poplar including its softness, bending strength and shear strength. Due to its low density, Poplar can sometimes leave fuzzy surfaces and edges: especially during shaping or sanding. Sanding to finer grits of sandpaper may be necessary to obtain a smooth surface.
Durability
Heartwood is rated as being moderately durable to non-durable; susceptible to insect attack.
Density
It has a medium density, machines and glues well. The grain is fine. The weight is 29 lbs/ft³ (455 kg/m³)and it has a relative density of .42.
Mechanical Properties
Performs well in terms of bending strength and stiffness when compared with other softwood species and good shock resistance. Hardening treatment also considerably improves all strength properties except for strain at rupture in static bending.
Coating/Non Coating
It can be glued satisfactorily, and take paint, polish and varnish quite well, but while they can be stained the wood accepts the stain with patchy results.
Fixings & Fasteners
Nailing and screwing properties are good but pre boring is necessary with this timber. As always Adanack will advise you further if need be.
