Ken Vaughn wrote:
> Scott replies:
>
>> It takes stain just as good. This kind of means it takes stain as
>> evenly and uninterestingly uniform as paint.
>
> It's a rare day when I disagree with Scott, but I have to on this one.
> Poplar, like most pine, absorbs stain unevenly and results in a blotchy
> finish. Scott is right on about the paint finish, but I wouldn't use
> poplar for any application which requires a stain. If you must stain
> poplar, use a gel stain and put it on pretty thick.

It should be noted that there are two things that are commonly called 
"popular" in the US.  In the east, one can frequently buy "poplar" that 
is really Liriodendron tulipifera or tulip poplar.  This is a much 
better lumber than the Populus spp. species, some of which are also 
confusingly named poplar.  For example, balsam poplar (Populus sect. 
Tacamahaca), which is nearly worthless for furniture.

So it is entirely possible for both of you to be right :)

Graham
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