The Uses of Tulip Tree Wood

The tulip tree has as many uses as it does names. Also known as the tulip-poplar, white-poplar, whitewood and yellow-poplar, the tulip tree is a fast-growing hardwood that thrives in the eastern United States. According to Western North Carolina Nature Center, the wood has a high commercial value due to its versatility.

Softwoods used in furniture construction are becoming increasingly scarce. Despite the fact that tulip trees are hardwoods, they can serve as a substitute for softwood in the furniture making process. It’s most commonly used for unexposed furniture parts such as plywood backings, veneer, pulpwood filling and framing. Tulip tree wood also has use in the building of furniture such as tables and chairs. The furniture sometimes preserves the wood’s light color or is stained to resemble cherry. Tulip tree wood is sometimes used as a substitute for basswood in Venetian blinds.

Tulip tree wood has many uses in home construction. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are available made from the wood. It can also be used in the framing of the home as well as in moldings, built-in shelves, interior trim, doors and flooring.

According to Purdue University, pioneers in the United States used tulip tree wood for the upper logs of their cabins. The wood was also turned into boards for use in general construction and millwork. Heavy timbers were used to create covered bridges.

Low-grade tulip tree wood is used to construct crates, pallets, shipping boxes and fruit containers in addition to toys and novelty products.