Lumber prices / Yellow Poplar
Yellow Poplar Price per Board Foot
Yellow poplar (tulipwood) is the cheapest and lightest common American hardwood, soft enough to work with hand tools yet stable. Its green-and-tan color makes it a paint-grade staple rather than a show wood.
Typical price per board foot$3 – $5
TypeHardwood (Domestic)
Density (12% MC)29 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.4 lb
Janka hardness540 lbf
Common usesPaint-grade trim, cabinets, drawer sides, utility work
What common boards cost
Board feet times the price per board foot. These use the $3 to $5 range above.
| Board | Board feet | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 x 6 x 8 ft | 4.00 | $12 – $20 |
| 1 x 8 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $16 – $27 |
| 2 x 4 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $16 – $27 |
To price a full order, put $4 (or your dealer's number) into the board foot calculator and add every board to the tally.
Hardwoods with similar hardness
Yellow Poplar rates 540 lbf on the Janka scale. These sit closest to it, so they take similar wear and usually swap in without changing how the piece holds up. Price is often the deciding factor.
| Species | Janka | Per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| Red Alder | 590 lbf | $4 – $7 |
| Basswood | 410 lbf | $3 – $6 |
| American Sycamore | 770 lbf | $3 – $6 |
| Genuine Mahogany | 800 lbf | $12 – $20 |
Full range on the lumber prices page, and weight per board foot if shipping or floor load matters.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does yellow poplar cost per board foot?
- Yellow Poplar commonly runs about $3 to $5 per board foot at retail, with wide, thick, or figured boards costing more. This is a planning range, not a quote, so confirm with your dealer.
- How much does yellow poplar weigh?
- About 2.4 pounds per board foot kiln-dried, based on an average density of 29 lb/ft³ at 12% moisture content. Green stock weighs more.
- Is yellow poplar a hardwood or a softwood?
- Yellow Poplar is a hardwood (domestic), with a Janka hardness of 540 lbf.