[Calvin Locke]

There’s probably a reason why poplar is a “cheap” hardwood.

[Cicero]

Around our parts, poplar is known as a junk tree.

[Malsua]

There’s probably a reason why poplar is a “cheap” hardwood.

Poplar is the softest hardwood(Domestically from Ohio Eastward where I logged). It grows fast and straight and makes great boards, yellow(tulip) can become a pretty purple too. I worked for a company that logged, milled, dried and built our own cabinets and moldings. That said, I always felt calling poplar a hardwood was being generous. It's soft, light, easy to work with and has decent coloring. I was always partial to red oak and Cherry. Now Oak, Hickory, Ash, Walnut, Maple, Cherry...those are "real" hardwoods.