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Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is poplar wood and what is it used for?
Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera, also called tulipwood or tulip poplar) is a domestic hardwood with a fine, consistent grain, pale greenish-cream colour, and excellent workability. It is widely used for painted furniture, cabinet interiors, drawer boxes, interior millwork, and any painted woodworking application where a consistent, smooth surface is needed at a lower cost than maple or birch.
Why is poplar a popular choice for painted woodworking?
Poplar has a fine, even grain that accepts primer and paint well without the blotching concerns of pine or birch. It machines cleanly, sands smoothly, holds fasteners well, and is harder and more dent-resistant than pine. It is significantly more affordable than maple while delivering comparable painted results. For painted cabinets, furniture frames, and interior boxes, poplar is an industry standard choice.
Is poplar a good choice for stained woodworking?
No. Poplar has an inconsistent natural colour that ranges from pale cream to green, grey, and even purple tones within the same board. These colour variations are unattractive under clear or stained finishes. Poplar is a paint-grade wood. For stained applications, use maple, cherry, walnut, oak, or another species with consistent, attractive colour under clear finishes.
How hard is poplar compared to other hardwoods?
Poplar has a Janka hardness of approximately 540, which is harder than pine and cedar but softer than maple, oak, and walnut. It is comparable to alder and better than pine for dent and scratch resistance in furniture applications. For work surfaces that see heavy daily use, harder species are more appropriate, but for painted furniture and millwork, poplar's hardness is sufficient.
What dimensions of poplar does Windsor Plywood carry?
Windsor Plywood carries poplar hardwood lumber in standard thicknesses and widths for furniture and millwork applications. Specific dimensions and available lengths vary by location. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current poplar stock for your project.