Replies

1. 
   user-52008 | Dec 13, 2006 06:37pm | #1

   I usually use poplar for any cabinet or trim work that's going to be painted. It's got a tight surface grain, and it's cheaper than most other domestic hardwoods. But I have painted maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany, etc. with great success.

   I'd use an oil-based primer and top coat that with two coats of an oil-based (alkyd) gloss or semi-gloss paint. No additional protective finish is necessary. Regarding safety, as long as the paint has thoroughly cured by the time the baby is using the crib, you needn't be concerned. Up until the 1970s, paint mfgs. used to add lead to oil-based paints, which certainly could cause long-term health problems in children who chewed on the paint. Still, when teething time comes around, you don't want to leave the baby untended and awake in the crib for long periods of time.

1. 
   KENTB | Dec 13, 2006 07:25pm | #2

   Thank you for your quick response.  I have used this service a couple of times and always been extremely happy with the information received.

   Is poplar actually hard enough to withstand some wear and tear a crib might receive?  My ignorance of woods is showing because it may not be substantially softer than maple or cherry.

1. 
   user-52008 | Dec 13, 2006 08:10pm | #3

   You're certainly welcome, Kent. In my opinion, yes, poplar is hard enough to withstand the wear and tear, even though it's not as dense as maple or cherry. (That baby is going to out-grow it faster than you can imagine. . .)

1. 
   KENTB | Dec 14, 2006 02:10am | #4

   Thanks, Poplar is what it will be.

2. 
   KENTB | Dec 14, 2006 11:04pm | #5

   More questions-

   We are going to modify the plans I have and do solid  "beadboard" end panels on the crib.  I don't want to buy plywood to do this.  What is the best way to do 2 beadboard panels that look to be about 3' x 3'?

    

1. 
   user-52008 | Dec 15, 2006 12:56am | #6

   Kent--If I were building that crib to those specifications, I'd treat the tongue-and-grooved lumber beadboard pieces as a panel contained within a frame. I'd mortise the top and bottom rails of each frame into square stock that would serve as the legs and go all the way to the floor. I'd groove the inside surface of all the frame pieces to house the floating beadboard panels, and make the grooves in the leg pieces extra deep to allow for expansion. (In my neck of the woods, New England, a 3-ft wide panel of yellow poplar will shrink and swell seasonally by about 3/4-in.)

   Also, I'd prime and paint all the beadboard pieces before assembly.--BD