Poplar or Pine for Painted Face and Door Frames?

[matt]

I'm working on the plans for a cabinet that will eventually be painted.

Originally I was going to make the frames in softwood (European Redwood) but I have memories of rather twisted end results. Not so much a problem for the face frame but for the doors.....

So... Whilst trying to keep costs down I noticed Poplar as an affordable hardwood.

I've never worked with it before. Is it perhaps a better choice?

BTW - the door panels will be 6mm MDF.
Largest door dimensions are c. 150cm tall x 44cm wide.

 

[bjm]

Poplar (Populus spp) can be a bit 'wooly'. Another alternative, much favoured by cabinetmakers, would be yellow poplar (Liriodendron spp) [not related]. It has a close grain and is very suitable for painting which is good as it has a strange, unmistakeable odour (which I don't think is unpleasant!). It should be comparable (or cheaper) than poplar as well?

Brian

 

[matt]

Hmmm... Poplar is a confusing wood.

My timber yard sells "liriodendron tulipifera" which seems to be the version you're suggesting. Which is good.

Thank you!

 

[BradNaylor]

In the timber world, 'poplar' means tulipwood, which is the one you are talking about.

In the real world, it means those very tall thin trees you see used in rows as windbreaks all over the countryside. I've no idea what the wood is like from those as it doesn't seem to be used commercially.

Tulipwood is a utility hardwood, used extensively for painted cabinet doors because it is relatively inexpensive, takes paint well, and is uninspiring in its naked state.

However, I don't recommend it. Although a 'hardwood' it is actually very soft - you can stick you thumbnail in it - and is so prone to knocks and dents in use.

A much better timber to use would be beech or my own favourite - moisture resistant MDF!

For painted furniture it is better than wood. Always use concealed hinges, though, as it doesn't take little screws into its edge very well.

Cheers
Dan

 

[jasonB]

In the real world, it means those very tall thin trees you see used in rows as windbreaks all over the countryside

Thats Poplar (spp) not Liriodendron Tulipifera, Tulipwood is not found in europe except the odd individual tree.

And Yes MR MDF works well

Jason

 

[PowerTool]

"Poplar" - as in UK poplar,not tulipwood,is generally very bland in colour,and very soft and wooly to finish.Have used it for turning,wouldn't rush to use it again.It does get used for making matchsticks,though,as it burns well..

Andrew

 

[Benchwayze]

In the timber world, 'poplar' means tulipwood, which is the one you are talking about.

In the real world, it means those very tall thin trees you see used in rows as windbreaks all over the countryside. I've no idea what the wood is like from those as it doesn't seem to be used commercially.

Tulipwood is a utility hardwood, used extensively for painted cabinet doors because it is relatively inexpensive, takes paint well, and is uninspiring in its naked state.

However, I don't recommend it. Although a 'hardwood' it is actually very soft - you can stick you thumbnail in it - and is so prone to knocks and dents in use.

A much better timber to use would be beech or my own favourite - moisture resistant MDF!

For painted furniture it is better than wood. Always use concealed hinges, though, as it doesn't take little screws into its edge very well.

Cheers
Dan

I swear Dan has shares in MDF! :lol:

:wink:

 

[Oryxdesign]

He's right though, for painted furniture MDF all the way. It's stable, cheap and accessable.

 

[matt]

However, I don't recommend it. Although a 'hardwood' it is actually very soft - you can stick you thumbnail in it - and is so prone to knocks and dents in use.

Softer than European Redwood?

 

[matt]

However, I don't recommend it. Although a 'hardwood' it is actually very soft - you can stick you thumbnail in it - and is so prone to knocks and dents in use.

Softer than European Redwood?

Guess I'll have to visit the timber yard and try it out as I would like to avoid using anything too expensive given that it is going to be painted and I can't get my head round using MDF for the face and door frames.