Poplar for framing?

[S. Heisley]

Populus is the genus or family name for cottonwood, poplar, and aspen. There are probably a half dozen different types of poplar listed under this name and the quality of the poplar may depend upon the area and the type of poplar that is being harvested and made into boards.

If you look at the chart that Bob Henry supplied, please recognize that there are actually two types of poplar listed but they are listed under their more common name, cottonwood, with only a secondary listing for one as poplar. Notice the differences listed between black cottonwood and the balsam cottonwood.

In several places, I have read that the reason for using a framework is primarily so that you will have something to anchor your screws into. After all, using 1/8â€

[StPatron]

Excellent info, Sharon!

[Ned B]

Thanks All of you for the info & replies. I'll make a longer response later today( iTouch typing doesn't lend itself to long posts). Two key replies are on my mind though.
I am thinking of poplar primarily for it's lighter weight, as well as relatively inexpensive price. I can get it for $2 per board ft whereas maple or other denser wood would be both heavier & more $ per bd ft. I actually have a fair Amt. Of maple on hand already so price is less of an issue I suppose.

Re it's holding up to the elements, if that were my prime concern, I would go with cypress or teak. As I'm planning on using it, as spars in a torsion box it should be fine. If I get water penetration there, even pressure treated SYP would fail eventually & I would have bigger Problems to deal with.
It will definitely only be a secondary wood in any case. My taste runs more toward maple , birch, cherry & mahogany or even Lyptus for the visible wood.
One interesting side note; many furniture manufacturers use stained Poplar vs cherry, especially in the darker stained pieces.