Replies

1. 
   MPHarper | Apr 17, 2002 05:48pm | #1

   Lefty,

   Poplar is pretty soft it probably won't hold up like oak or walnut fot a table top.  It's good wood, but I think that it would dent and ding easily if used as a table top.   I generally use poplar to frame paintings because it is light and finishes well and frames usually don't take alot of abuse.  I am sure there are a multitude of other uses that poplar is good for.

   Go to this website, they have a listing of applications that different species are good for.  Good luck with your table, it sounds like a fun project.

   http://www.woodworkersjournal.com/links_frameset.cfm?url=www%2Ehardwoodcouncil%2Ecom

   Matt-

2. 
   davamoore | Apr 17, 2002 11:56pm | #2

   I would agree, poplar is rather soft, as hardwoods go, so it's more likely to be dinged and scratched if this is going to be a heavily used tabletop.

   On the other hand, I really like poplar.  Just because it's cheap and easy-to-work doesn't mean that it doesn't have a very nice iridescent quality when finished (but not stained).  I like the colors of both the heartwood and softwood and the way they mellow over time.

   David

   Hmmm... the garden or the workshop today?
3. 
   TerryH13 | Apr 18, 2002 03:22am | #3

   What if you used the poplar as a sub-base and veneered the top with something nice. Also if you think that the table will take that much abuse then maybe you should consider other woods. I have some furniture that I inhereted and it has no dings etc. on it. It's a matter of how it will be used and who will use it. If there are kids involved use Oak. If it's to be used for dinning only by adults and that's it then veneer it. There are a lot of veneers out there and some of the oldest tables are done that way and still look good.

   Try this site for veneers they pretty much carry everything and are a good source of info.

   http://www.flamingoveneer.com

   Terry