Cottonwood Wood Guide 2026
Populus deltoides
Cottonwood is a lightweight, fast-growing domestic hardwood with a pale, uniform appearance. Though soft for a hardwood, it machines well, takes paint and stain evenly, and is widely used for concealed components, crates, pallets, and economy-grade lumber. Its low cost and availability make it a practical choice for utility applications and painted millwork.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 28 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States, Canada
- Price: ~$2.75 per board foot
- Common uses include Pallets, crates, concealed framing
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Fine and uniform with an indistinct grain.
Workability: Easy to machine but prone to fuzzing.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Requires careful sanding as it is prone to surface grain raising.
Color change: Little to no significant color change.
Insect resistance: Very poor resistance to decay and insects.
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Cottonwood. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths common in commercial grades. | Random lengths 8 to 16 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths common in commercial grades. | Random lengths 8 to 16 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths common in commercial grades.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8 to 16 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths common in commercial grades.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8 to 16 feet.
Availability notes: Readily available in regional markets for utility purposes.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Light grayish white to pale brown with minimal heartwood-sapwood contrast
Grain: Straight to interlocked grain with a fine, uniform texture; occasionally shows figure
Common Uses
- Pallets
- crates
- concealed framing
- painted millwork
- pulpwood
- carving
- economy furniture
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Eastern Cottonwood, Necklace Poplar, Carolina Poplar
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 430 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States, Canada
- Affordable pricing
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Cottonwood is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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