AMERICAN YELLOW POPLAR/TULIPWOOD: G
Although one of our best selling species where a hardwood is required for a painted finish. Unfortunately many of our customers are unaware of this very versatile species. It is ideal as a superior substitute to softwood as an excellent finish can be obtained with little rubbing down. Unfortunately we are unable to select for white only stock so colour maybe evident in most boards. The main application at present is for use in the manufacture of quality kitchen doors.

Production: S/E, S/E PTW, DIM.

Liriodendron tulipifera
Family: Magnoliaceae

Commercial names: Poplar, Canary Wood, Canary Whitewood, Yellow Poplar, Hickory Poplar, Tulip Poplar, Saddletree, Popple, Tulipwood (USA); Tulip Tree (USA, Canada and UK); American Whitewood (UK).

Distribution: Eastern USA and Canada and introduced into Europe.

General description: In second growth trees the sapwood is very wide, whitish in colour and streaked. It is sharply defined from the heartwood which varies from pale yellowish-brown to pale olivebrown streaked with olive green, dark grey or pinkish-brown, and when mineral stained, streaks of steel blue. Uniform, straight grain; regular, fine texture. Weight 510 kg/m3 (31 lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.51.

Mechanical properties: This medium density wood has low bending and resistance to shock loads, low stiffness and medium crushing strength. It also has a medium steam bending classification.

Seasoning: The material kiln dries easily and well with no risk of checking or warping, and air dries with little degrade. There is small movement in service.

Working properties: It is easy to work with both hand and machine tools and can be planed to a very smooth finish. Nailed, screwed and glued joints hold perfectly, and it can be stained, polished or painted and holds hard enamels.

Durability: Non-durable, the sapwood is prone to attack by the common furniture beetle. It is moderately resistant to preservation treatment and the sapwood is permeable.

Uses: Pattern making, carving, cabinetmaking, interior fittings, interior joinery, light construction work, interior trim for boats, toys and doors. When treated with preservatives it is used for external joinery and work not in contact with the ground.

Note: Not to be confused with the softwood known as Whitewood Picea abies and Abies alba.

JBT Comments: This is an extremely versatile hardwood, readily available and competitively priced. It is ideal as an alternative moulding timber to Ramin and the cheaper moulding quality hardwoods. It takes stain and finishes well. Some of our furniture manufacturing customers have perfected stains and finishes which enables Poplar to resemble Yew, Cherry and Mahogany. It can be difficult to spot the difference. Poplar can be used for a paint finish as it is free from the grain found in softwood so less “rubbing down” is necessary to obtain a very smooth surface.

Certification: We have established a supply of American Yellow Poplar/Tulipwood which is produced from well managed forests, independently certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council A.C. All our Certified Timber is processed through our Chains of Custody which are audited by BM TRADA Certification.

Grade: Export grade 80% FAS, 20% FAS. IF.

Specification: Square edge; 8ft and longer. 6ins and wider, allowing up to 10%. 6ft/7ft and/or 4ins/5ins. Poplar is generally longer and is, on average, wider than most other North American Hardwoods.

Stockholding: 10,000 cubic feet in kiln dried stock: 1in to 4ins thickness.