Poplar
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DESCRIPTION | Poplar heartwood is usually creamy-white to gray in color, sometimes pale brown or pinkish-brown. Grain is straight and can be woolly. Texture is fine and even. Weight ranges from 23lbs to 33lbs per cu .ft. |
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN |
North America |
BOTANICAL NAME | Liriodendron tulipifera |
OTHER NAMES | Robusta, Finnish Aspen, Swedish Aspen, French Aspen, Cucumber |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | Very low stiffness and resistance to shock loads. Low bending strength and medium crush strength. Poor steam bending characteristics. |
WORKING PROPERTIES | Slight blunting effect on cutters. Very sharp, thin cutters are required to overcome the woolly texture and produce a good finish. Nailing and screwing are satisfactory. Takes stain poorly, usually produces blotchy results. Takes paint, varnish and polish satisfactorily. |
DURABILITY | Poplar is perishable and susceptible to insect attack. Heartwood is moderately resistant to preservative treatment. Sapwood is permeable. |
SEASONING | Dries rapidly, but knots are inclined to split. Medium movement. |
USES | Due to tough, woolly, non-splintering nature, it is suitable for rough usage such as the bottoms of wagons and carts. Also used in furniture framing, drawers, toys, flooring, boxes and crates, veneers and plywood. |
COMMENTS | Several subspecies: P. Nigra, P. Canadensis, P. robusta, P. Tremula |