Poplar Plywood

Renowned for its durability as well as its bending strength, poplar plywood comes in a variety of grades and thicknesses suitable for interior and exterior applications. In this article, we answer all the most common questions about this versatile forestry product, from “What is poplar plywood used for,” to in-depth queries about poplar vs. Luan. Let’s get started!

Poplar Plywood Features

There are a variety of poplar plywood products available. Fine Italian poplar plywood, for example, is often sold in thin sheets that are suitable for laser cutting. White poplar plywood and black poplar plywood come in a variety of grades for projects such as cabinetry, furniture, and outdoor projects. It’s worth noting that plywood marketed as yellow poplar is actually sourced from a magnolia species – but like its cousins, it offers some desirable features.

In general, poplar plywood offers pale coloration, tight, beautiful grain, and a wonderfully consistent appearance with minor pin knots visible. In AB grade poplar plywood, these pin knots typically measure a few millimeters in diameter. Barely visible, they do not detract from to the wood’s naturally pleasing aesthetic. The surface of course depends on grade, so it’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s details while deciding which poplar plywood weight and type is best for the project at hand.

Poplar vs. Birch Plywood

When comparing poplar plywood vs birch plywood, it’s important to consider grade first and foremost. Both products are versatile, and both come in a variety of different thicknesses to satisfy the needs of model builders, contractors, and furniture makers alike.

Color Variation: Poplar typically displays less color variation than birch.

Knot Size: Poplar typically displays smaller knots than birch.

Quality: Overall, poplar plywood quality and birch plywood quality vary widely depending on the source, the manufacturer, and the grade. It’s a good idea to weigh your options carefully when deciding on the best plywood for your project as no two products are exactly alike.

Hardness: Birch plywood is harder than poplar plywood.

Poplar Plywood Uses

What can you use poplar wood for? As it turns out, there are many poplar plywood applications. As you decide whether poplar is the best plywood for your project, ensure that you select treated wood for exterior applications. Untreated poplar is not rot-resistant, and it will not stand up to the demands of exposure to the elements.

Because poplar’s color is pale and its grain is fine and even, it can be finished to mimic the look of costlier woods this makes poplar plywood a cost-conscious and attractive choice cabinetry. If, for example, you’d like to construct cherry or maple cabinets for your kitchen but you find the cost of hardwood prohibitive, you can easily build cabinets with poplar plywood and stain them to give the appearance of cherry or maple. While it’s not as hard as actual hardwood, it is strong enough to provide a durable finished product that also happens to look fantastic while helping homeowners and contractors stick to their projects’ budgets.

You might be wondering if you can build furniture with poplar plywood. The answer depends on the finish you’d like to have. Because birch is harder, it’s a better choice for projects you intend to stain. If you intend to paint your furniture with good oil-based paint, then poplar plywood is likely to work well for your project. Oil-based paint does a good job of strengthening poplar so that it resists common flaws like scratching and denting.

If you’re looking for a cheap trim product, you may want to consider poplar plywood. Again, this works best if the plywood is painted with oil-based paint. Poplar plywood trim is best for areas that receive low to no impacts – think crown molding and other out-of-the-way applications.

Where to buy Poplar Plywood

Depending on your region, you may be able to find poplar plywood at home improvement stores. While there are exceptions, these large retailers tend to offer good prices on bulk poplar plywood. Quality does depend on grade – the higher the grade, the better product you will receive. There are certainly exceptions but in general, better quality poplar plywood can usually be found at specialty stores, including online sources.

Poplar Plywood FAQs, Plus Answers to Questions About Whitewood & Blondewood

Ready for more poplar plywood info? You’ve come to the right place.

Q: Is poplar a hardwood or a softwood?

A: Poplar plywood may be classified as both hardwood and softwood, depending on the species and the manufacturer’s literature. It’s the hardest of all “soft” woods, including pine and birch. Both classifications are considered to be correct.

Q: What is poplar plywood weight?

A: The weight of poplar plywood may vary greatly depending on the specific product in question. Overall, poplar plywood’s weight includes the weight of the wood itself, the weight of any moisture in the wood, and the weight of the adhesive that holds the layers of wood together.

Q: What is blondewood plywood?

A: Blondwood plywood is a nickname or marketing term that is used for light-colored plywood. You may hear poplar plywood being referred to as blondewood. It’s a good idea to check for specific content before purchasing plywood labeled as “blondewood.”

Q: What is whitewood plywood?

A: Just like blondewood, whitewood is a term that describes color rather than content. There are many different types of wood that can be described as whitewood, including poplar, cottonwood, pine, lodgepole, and spruce.

Q: What is luan plywood? Is it poplar?

A: Luan is a thin plywood made with luan or lauan hardwood, which comes from a tropical tree that grows in the Philippines. Hobbyists often ask about the differences between luan and poplar for model building. Both materials are soft and light. Both are strong, but not quite as strong as birch plywood when it comes to model airplane crash survival.

Q: What is furniture grade plywood?

A: You may be wondering whether all poplar plywood is furniture grade. The short answer is “no.” Furniture grade plywood isn’t a specific species – instead, it is grade A plywood of any species (including poplar) with minimal knots, gaps, patches, and other inconsistencies. Grade A poplar plywood is good for building furniture and cabinets.