As a furniture maker, you know that different types of wood have different properties. For example, you’ve probably heard that poplar is a good wood to use for furniture because it is stable and doesn’t warp or crack easily.
But what are the other benefits of using poplar? And is it the best choice for every project?
In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using poplar wood for furniture making to help you decide if it’s the right choice.
Is poplar wood good for furniture?
Yes, poplar wood is good for furniture. It is strong, tough, and doesn’t swell easily when exposed to moisture.
Some people admire poplar for its flexibility and lightweight, which makes it easy to work with, even for amateur woodworkers.
Not only that, its robust feature is useful in building strong furniture reducing the worry of breakage repairs.
Pros of using poplar wood
Poplar is a hardwood that makes furniture durable and is shrink resistant.
Poplar enjoys a uniform texture that does not change in quantity, quality, or form. This uniformity is why furniture made of poplar is durable compared to softwood furniture.
Poplar is also lightweight, making it easy to cut and move around in the workshop. Besides, its weight enables the craftsman to create detailed furniture easily.
Cutting and manipulating poplar is easy because of its soft nature. Poplar is incredible for those new to carpentry, and with the right tools, it is much easier to use in making furniture.
Poplar wood is a cheap hardwood making it cost-efficient for DIY furniture designs. The low price also makes it available in most woodwork shops.
Cons of using poplar wood on furniture
Poplar wood dents and gets scratches easily because of its soft workability nature. The softness can be frustrating when working with poplar and needs gentle and precise cutting. Scratches on furniture are also very unattractive, making it look old.
It requires progressive light sanding with thin fine grits of sandpaper. Harder grits of sandpaper will leave scratches on your furniture. Slow sanding will also take more time to work on the furniture.
Because of its unattractive feature, poplar will need painting for a much more presentable finish. But, It also soaks up the stain and will consume more paint to give a good coating.
Poplar wood absorbs moisture because its end grain is absorbent. So when left in wet, humid places, it is susceptible to damage and shrinkage.
Compared to other hardwoods, it rots when exposed to moist places, resulting in damaged furniture.
How to use poplar wood to make furniture?
First, noting that poplar wood is a bit soft compared to most hardwoods, it is easy to use to make amazing furniture.
Manipulating poplar wood is easier with a saw, lather, or outer. To avoid tearing and scratching the wood, use a slow feed speed on your woodcutter for precise cuts and carving.
Sanding will need caution for an even and smooth furniture surface due to its soft nature. Slow sanding further prevents tears and scratches on your furniture surface.
Professional woodworkers use fine-grit sandpaper and start at 80 grit, followed by 150, then 300, and finally 400 grit for an amazing finish.
Is Poplar wood hard enough?
Although being a hardwood, poplar is not amongst the hardest. Janka Scale rates the hardness of poplar wood at 540, far softer than most hardwood. Yet the wood is hard enough for most household furniture.
Note that poplar wood is much harder than all softwoods and will make more durable furniture.
Is poplar stronger than pine?
When comparing poplar vs pine in terms of strength, poplar carries the day. Poplar’s Janka hardness is 540 pound-force (lbf), while white pine wood has a 420 lbf.
Is Poplar wood good for outdoor furniture?
Long exposure to moisture will make poplar dense, allowing the wood to shrink and expand. Yet, with proper maintenance, poplar furniture is acceptable for outdoor use.
Painting it will further add protection and give the furniture a superb finish and feel.
Is poplar wood good for beds?
Poplar is most common for bed frames. Its strong quality, durability, and shrink resistance make it ideal for beds. Its length also makes it much more suitable for bed frames.
Poplar wood is much softer than other hardwoods, thus being easy to assemble furniture pieces.
Without forgetting its lower cost compared to other hardwoods, the price of a bed made from poplar is relatively low.
Is Poplar Wood good for a bookshelf?
Yes, poplar makes strong and durable bookshelves. The soft surface allows easy trimming, precise nailing, and quick assembly.
Poplar’s fair price makes it one of the best options for a bookshelf installation.
Artisans Regularly use poplar to make bookshelves. The most common being wall-installed bookshelves, which save plenty of space for homeowners.
We recommend using a polyurethane coating or paint for a better smooth finish. In addition, the coating further makes the bookshelf long-lasting.
Is poplar wood good for dining tables and chairs?
Suppose you are in the market for a painted dining set, then poplar wood will be a great option to use.
The wood surface of poplar is naturally unattractive and not scratch resistant. Yet, painting the furniture brings out a much more attractive finish. This further increases Poplar’s scratch resistance and moisture protection especially when used on vanity tables.
Making dining furniture from poplar will not be that hard either. It is simple to work on, and also you can manipulate your design on it.
Is poplar wood good for cabinets?
Yes, poplar wood is common in making household cabinets and cupboard furniture. A low price tag and its ease in manipulating attract artisans and homeowners to this wood.
We recommend staining your dining tables to increase their lifespan. The best stain for poplar wood should be easy to apply but still looks elegant.
Conclusion
Poplar is a great softer hardwood for fine tuning skills. But, it is susceptible to water damage and moisture. Thus more suitable for interior furniture, including tables, dining chairs, bookshelves, desks, etc.
We acknowledge poplar is not the leading choice for fine furniture. But you can use it on the furniture you intend to paint. Moreover, poplar wood is good for most interior and exterior furniture.
Other hardwoods, such as white oak, mahogany, or teak, are durable in harsher weather environments.
