hardwood · Populus deltoides
Eastern Cottonwood wood properties
Also known as: cottonwood, eastern poplar.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Populus deltoides |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 1,370,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 0.45 |
| Density (approx) | 28 lb/ft³ (2.3 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 430 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 9.2% / 3.9% |
| Region | Central and eastern United States |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Eastern Cottonwood weighs about 9.4 lb (roughly 28 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 430 lbf is harder than about 9% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: boxes, crates, veneer, plywood, utility lumber.
Durability: Non-durable, and an easy target for boring insects.
Workability: Easy to cut, but keen blades prevent fuzz; grips nails weakly, warps while drying; finishes and glues well.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Eastern Cottonwood:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Eastern Cottonwood is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table (Popular Woodworking reproduction), so CT/CR are omitted. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.