: Poplar is fine, slightly heavy and not in the least rot resistant
: but under glass that's not a problem anyhow. Have a guy locally
: that built a Guillemot all in poplar and all 1/4" strips,
: it's around 45 lbs. but otherwise it's fine. Going to perhaps
: 3/16" strips would save some weight.

: Bill H.

I worked with Poplar about 5 years ago. It was available in wide planks and most had a beautiful straight grain, I could cut it really thin without twisting and it seemed to take glue well. Very split-resistant and seemed unusually strong across the grain (same thing?) - I truly thought I was on to a good thing.

However, the stuff available at the same place more recently had the grain going all over the place and seemed much denser; I didn't trust it. You have made me wonder if it was the same species. I must have another look; they have moved all their wood indoors at last and may have some nicer stuff. I was using it for chine logs, where its cross-grain strength is a great advantage.

If you get the good stuff it's a much under-rated wood. BTW if you can get old-growth (not likely but maybe from a demo site) I read that it is far more rot-resistant - in fact it was often used for veranda and porch posts that have lasted for 100+ years.