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Populus balsamifera
THE TIMBER:
Balsam poplar lumber is seldom segregated from other poplars,
cottonwoods and aspens in the trade and its wood differs
only subtly from these related species. Demarcation between
the almost chalk white sapwood
and ash gray heartwood is more pronounced than in eastern
cottonwood. The wood is coarser textured, less
lustrous, slightly less dense and more figured than aspen.
WORKABILITY:
Balsam poplar is a very pleasant wood to work. The great
advantage of balsam poplar is that, because of its slightly ring-porous
structure, it has a figure which comes alive with subtle character when
stained. In fact, with proper staining it can be made to look remarkably
similar to cherry. Also, the tree often
produces wavy grain and, with careful selection, it is possible
to achieve a fiddleback appearance very comparable to maple. Because poplars
are fast growers, care must be taken to avoid reaction wood. If the grain
fuzzes when sanding, think twice about using that particular piece in any
project you hope
to make a masterpiece. Otherwise, balsam poplar is about
as friendly a wood and can be found. It is easy to cut and shape, accepts
nails and screws better than most, glues well and will accept virtually
all finishes.
USES:
Balsam poplar pulp is used for paper production, and the
wood is used for crating, core stock for plywood, veneer, ice cream sticks
and bruit baskets. Some lumber is produced, generally for low-grade purposes
such as sheathing and tongue and groove paneling. |
