Decided between poplar and maple for a built-in I did last month

I went with poplar because the client wanted paint-grade and it saved them about $200 on materials. Has anyone else noticed poplar is way more stable than people give it credit for?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_robert19d ago

I mean I see it a little different with that "way more stable than people give it credit for" part. Poplar can be decent but it's also got that green tint and sometimes it'll warp if you don't let it acclimate long enough in the shop. Maple is just more predictable across the board in my experience, especially if you're doing anything with wide panels. Not saying poplar is bad, just that I wouldn't call it way more stable.

elizabeth_gonzalez19d ago

Oh man, isn't it funny how everyone talks about poplar like it's some kind of junk wood? I've been using it for years on cabinets and painted stuff, and honestly it's way more stable than people give it credit for. Sure, you gotta let it sit in the shop for a week or two first, but that's just common sense with any wood. I've had poplar panels hold up better in my shop than some maple boards I've tried. The green tint is a real bummer though, I'll give you that. But if you're painting it, who cares about the color underneath anyway?