I’ve recently started doing woodworking for enjoyment/therapy from my day job, but recently I have taken on small projects for others as a way to fund more of my projects. I have a customer that has asked me to build them a sofa table similar to one they saw at a big box store.(see attached photo) The majority of the table will be painted and I plan to use poplar for painted parts/drawers and oak for the top. Would poplar be suitable for this or should I consider other options? Price is somewhat of a factor but customer really wants real wood vs engineered products.
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Poplar is just fine for painted work. I'll buy the more colorful boards I find for non-painted things as well. It works pretty easily and takes finishes well.
Good luck, post a pic back here of the table when it's done!
Poplar was made for paint. I use it a lot. It dents much less than white pine.
Poplar is a perfect choice...where I live ambrosia maple is much cheaper and would work just as well...although to paint you would need to fill the worm holes...But poplar is a great choice
Poplar will work out well if it is clear without knots.The resin in knots will bleed through the paint unless you seal them with a primer or shellac. You might also consider soft maple which is not expensive and a bit harder than poplar. Soft maple takes paint very well also.
I also use Poplar for painted work every time. I rarely use other wood for that.
I will echo that poplar is fine for paint but it is one of the softest "hardwoods" so will be subject to more denting both during construction and afterwards. Other woods to consider would be birch or soft maple which are a little less than hard maple. Check your lumber dealer for specials, sometimes you can get "shorts", usually boards 7' or less at a reduced price as well.
PS. In case you don't know. Small dents and depressions can often be removed, prior to finishing, by putting a few drops of water on the damaged area and after the wood fibers swell a light sanding. This usually works unless the wood fibers are cut.
Poplar is more prone to denting than soft maple, but it will work.
Some people avoid the dark green, brown or purple wood, use a good primer and it will be fine.
I would suggest 2 coats of shellac based primer (BIN). I don’t use oil based primers anymore for a couple reasons.
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