4/4 Poplar Rough Sawn Lumber
Direct Kingma listing for Black Poplar; inventory, lengths, and widths can rotate by variant.
View optionBlack Poplar Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Black Poplar is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific namePopulus nigra
Janka hardness460 lbf
Average dried weight24 lb/ft³
Best fitLaminated construction lumber
Overview
Why choose Black Poplar?
Black Poplar is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Europe, western Asia and North Africa, and planted in North America as an ornamental. Used for laminated construction lumber, plywood, boxes, crates, furniture carcasses and utility lumber.
Scientific namePopulus nigra
DistributionEurope, western Asia and North Africa, and planted in North America as an ornamental
ShrinkageRadial: 4.0%, Tangential: 9.3%, Volumetric: 12.3%, T/R Ratio: 2.3
DurabilityBlack Poplar is rated non-durable and is open to insect attack.
Black Poplar colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood is usually light brown. The sapwood, pale yellow shading to almost white, has no sharp edge and gradually merges into the heartwood.
Usually straight grain, though it may turn slightly irregular or interlocked; the texture is even and medium with little natural shine.
Working notes
Hand and machine tools both cut it easily, but planing calls for sharp cutters to keep surfaces from turning fuzzy, and extra fine sanding may be needed for a smooth result. Drying tends to warp and distort the wood.
No health effects beyond the usual risks of any wood dust have been linked to Black Poplar.
Black Poplar should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Black Poplar
Best projects
Used for laminated construction lumber, plywood, boxes, crates, furniture carcasses and utility lumber.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Black Poplar from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
8/4 Poplar Rough Sawn Lumber
Direct Kingma listing for Black Poplar; inventory, lengths, and widths can rotate by variant.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Black Poplar FAQ
What is Black Poplar best used for?
Used for laminated construction lumber, plywood, boxes, crates, furniture carcasses and utility lumber. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Black Poplar beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Black Poplar?
The buying section on this page links to any Black Poplar Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.