Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood) Wood Guide 2026
Liriodendron tulipifera
Typically described as lightweight and paintable domestic hardwood
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 28 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: United States
- Common uses include Paint-grade cabinetry, Millwork, Furniture frames
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The wood has a fine to medium texture with straight, uniform grain.
Workability: It is widely regarded as one of the easiest hardwoods to machine and glue.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: The surface takes paint exceptionally well but can be blotchy when stained.
Color change: The greenish heartwood eventually turns to a light brown or tan over time.
Insect resistance: The heartwood has little to no resistance to insect attack or decay.
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 Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood). 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 from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species. | Request this size |
| 10/4 | 2-1/2" | 2-1/4" | Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species. | Request this size |
| 12/4 | 3" | 2-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species. | Request this size |
| 16/4 | 4" | 3-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available. | Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species.
- 10/4rough 2-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 2-1/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species.
- 12/4rough 3"
- Surfaced
- 2-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species.
- 16/4rough 4"
- Surfaced
- 3-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 14 inches are commonly available.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 8 to 16 feet are typical for this species.
Availability notes: It is one of the most abundant and economical domestic hardwoods available.
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: Greenish to yellow-brown
Grain: Straight; fine texture
Common Uses
- Paint-grade cabinetry
- Millwork
- Furniture frames
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Tulip Poplar;American Tulipwood
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 540 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Non-Durable
- Sourced from United States
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Yellow Poplar (Tulipwood) is unavailable or over budget.
- Soft Maple950 lbf Janka
- Basswood410 lbf Janka
- Cucumbertree
Related Species
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