Secondary woods: Poplar versus Conifers

[Bombarde16]

What do you use when you don't care what something looks like? i.e. Internal parts, back panels, etc. Tulip poplar or a generic, needle-bearing tree (spruces, pines, firs, etc.) that's sold under the broad umbrella "white wood". Why?

[CessnaPilotBarry]

I think secondary wood is a wide definition. If I need a cheaper species, poplar is my often my usual choice for unseen parts. In my area, poplar is cheaper than decent softwoods.

Don't forget ugly parts of the primary wood. I have no problem using wood that is dull, ugly, stained, and even with tight knots, for parts that won't be seen. This lets me be very choosy on color, figure, and grain alignment with the expensive stuff, and still keep the waste factor within reason.

For secondary wood that is sometimes visible, like drawer sides, guides, door stops... I'll choose the wood specifically for the use. Guides and stops might be maple or ash. Drawer internals might be maple, really good pine or clear cedar, ash, basswood, or better looking (no heavy green or mineral streaks) poplar.

[dwacker]

Around here soft maple and poplar are both staples and very inexpensive.

Don

[mattvan]

I'm fond of poplar and even aspen.

[JayWC]

I'm going to add another vote for poplar...

[PeteJr]

Poplar is stable, that's what you want.

[Texfire]

Poplar would be my choice as well over a soft pine.

[Mister Pants]

Generally poplar, it's easy to get and cheap where I am.