Poplar
(Populus) is a light, strong, and shock-resistant wood. This is a great wood, which can be used for many purposes.
Poplar wood is commonly used for making furniture, paper, craft, cabinets, wooden toys, plywood, etc.
It is a fast-growing tree that grows about 3 to 5 feet per year in good climates. Poplar trees are easy to care for and pruning is not necessary. So, this tree is popular for the people.
Wood Color: White to light cream and brown, sometimes with mineral stains
Workability: Easy to work with
Finishing: Finishes well.
Type: Hardwood
Common Uses: Toys, carvings, plywood, crates, pallets, furniture frames
Poplar wood for making cabinets
Poplar wood is versatile and can be painted or stained to look like different kinds of wood. A number of good looking and very popular kitchen cabinets are made from poplar but are stained to look like pricey Cherry or Oak cabinets. This wood is durable to make strong material for cabinets and shelves. Poplar combines low price and versatility to hide its true appearance. Therefore it is a good choice for people who need kitchen cabinets on a budget.
Poplar wood for constructing furniture
Poplar is soft and may not be as tough as other types of hardware hardwoods for furniture, therefore, it is not the first choice for making fine furniture but it is quite popular for painted furniture. The softness of poplar means stained poplar are easily scratched, damaged, or even dented.
The answer to these disadvantages is applying an oil-based paint to increase the wood’s resistance to dents and scratches. Therefore with this treatment, popular furniture becomes a good and affordable furniture compared to pricier hardwoods.
Poplar wood for making molding and trim
Poplar may not be the best choice for floor molding or baseboards however it is a good alternative for making ceiling molding or trim. This type of molding is more affordable and can be painted or stained easily. And aside from molding, poplar can be used for many indoor wooden applications in homes.
Poplar wood for siding for homes
When furniture manufacturers and contractors say poplar wood, there are generally referring to white poplar. However, there is also another wood called yellow poplar and this type is commonly used as siding for homes.
Like other more expensive hardwoods, yellow poplar can be used as siding on homes because this holds well against the elements. This actually costs more or less than expensive hardwoods like oak or cedar and are very reliable and durable as well.
Poplar wood for making decks
Due to the rising cost of many hardwoods, more and more contractors and homeowners are using treated yellow poplar to make outdoor decks. Yellow poplar trees usually grow straight which means that this tree’s studs and posts are very straight. And because of this amazing characteristic, yellow poplar is an excellent choice for constructing deck posts or rails that need to be as straight.
Conclusion
Poplar wood is a hardwood that is light but durable. It may not be as strong as other hardwoods but by treating and using different techniques like staining and painting, poplar wood can be a worthwhile and cost-effective alternative to furniture made from expensive natural hardwood. Because of its qualities, poplar is used for making painted furniture, sidings, molding, trims, cabinets and decks.