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Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF)
Spruce-Pine-Fir, or SPF, is the generic name for a variety of softwood species, even-grained and yellowish-white in colour, imported from North America and used in housing construction frames.
American Tulipwood | Liriodendron tulipfera
With a colour that ranges from creamy white to an olive green, American Tulipwood is an ideal timber for furniture, joinery, cabinetry, doors and paneling.
American Tulipwood is one of the largest trees native to the eastern USA. It is used for both sawn timber and veneers, and is a versatile and attractive timber for a range of interior applications.
Other Names: Tulip Tree, American Tulip Tree, Tuliptree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar.
Overview
American Tulipwood is not only one of the largest trees in the forests of the eastern USA, it is also one of the most plentiful, representing about 9% of the country's standing hardwood resource. This has ensured that it is widely available and its size means that it can produce timber that is both very wide and very long. The tree is similar in shape to the European Poplar, which is why it is called the Yellow or Tulip Poplar in the USA, however it is not related. The growing region of the tree is extensive, stretching as far south as Florida and north to the southern parts of New England.
Sapwood of the American Tulipwood is creamy white an can be streaked; heartwood varies from a pale yellow-brown to an olive green, which darkens to brown on exposure to UV light. The texture of the Tulipwood is medium to fine and it is straight grained. Burls and swirls can occur in the grain and are not considered defects. Size and characteristics can vary dependent on the region in which it grows.
American Tulipwood is an extremely versatile timber of moderate density. It has low values for shock resistance, bending, stiffness and compression. It is classified as 'medium' for steam bending. It has a good strength to weight ratio, making it an ideal wood for laminated beams and structures. However, it has not yet been tested in Australia for structural applications.
Tulipwood is easy to work, as it machines, planes, turns and bores well. It has high dimensional stability and rarely splits when nailed. It takes and holds paint, stains and enamel and can attain an excellent finish.
American Tulipwood is ideal for a range of interior applications, such as furniture, joinery, cabinets, doors, panelling and mouldings. In the US it is used in the production of plywood. It is also an excellent timber for turning and carving.
Exported widely around the world, American Tulipwood is a popular choice for architects and designers as a result of its unusual colour range.
Properties
Shrinkage
| Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | |
Tangential: |
|||||
| 8.2 | |||||
| Radial: | > 5 | ||||
| Unit Movement: |
9.8 % |
Strength Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium High | Medium | Reasonably Low | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | S1 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | |
| Seasoned: | SD1 | SD2 | SD3 | SD4 | SD5 | SD6 | SD7 | SD8 |
Stress Grade
| Structural No. 1 |
Structural No. 2 |
Structural No. 3 |
Structural No. 4 |
Structural No. 5 |
|
| Unseasoned: | |||||
| Seasoned: |
Density per Standard
| Unseasoned: | 0 kg/m3 |
|---|---|
| Seasoned: | 449 kg/m3 |
Joint Group
| Very High | High | Reasonably High | Medium | Low | Very Low | |
| Unseasoned: | J1 | J2 | J3 | J4 | J5 | J6 |
| Seasoned: | JD1 | JD2 | JD3 | JD4 | JD5 | JD6 |
Colour
| White, yellow, pale straw to light brown | Pink to pink brown | Light to dark red | Brown, chocolate, mottled or streaky | |
Mechanical Properties
| Modulus of Rupture - Seasoned: |
69.640 |
|---|---|
| Modulus of Elasticity - Seasoned: |
10.894 |
| Maximum Crushing Strength - Seasoned: |
38.198 |
| Hardness - Unseasoned: |
2.402 |
Durability
| Low | Moderate | Reasonably High | High | |
| (0 - 5 yrs) | (5 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 25 yrs) | (more than 25 yrs) | |
| In-Ground: |
||||
| (0 - 7 yrs) | (7 - 15 yrs) | (15 - 40 yrs) | (More than 40 yrs) | |
| Above ground: |
||||
| (0 - 20 yrs, usually < 5) | (21 - 40 yrs) | (41 - 64 yrs) | (More than 60 yrs) | |
| Marine Borer Resistance: |
| Lyctid Borer Susceptibility: |
Susceptible |
|---|
Fire Properties
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | |
| EFH Ignitibility: |
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| EFH Spread-of-Flame Index: |
|||||||||||
| EFH Smoke-Developed Index: |
| 1 - non-combustible | 2 - reasonably non-combustible | 3 - slightly combustible | 4 - combustible | |
| Fire Properties Group Number: |
| Bushfire Resistance: |
Not tested |
|---|
Description
| Botanical Name: | Liriodendron tulipfera |
|---|---|
| Preferred Common Name: | American Tulipwood |
| Other Names: | Tulip Tree, American Tulip Tree, Tuliptree, Tulip Poplar, Yellow Poplar. |
| Photographer Name: | Copyright AHEC |
| Species Type: | Hardwood |
Appearance
American Tulipwood has an unusual appearance, with a creamy white sapwood and heartwood that ranges from pale yellow to olive green. Heartwood will turn to brown on exposure to UV light. The texture of Tulipwood is medium to fine and it has a straight grain. Burls and swirls can occur in the grain, and these are not considered to detract from the appearance of the wood. A heavy purple mineral colouring can be present that is limited in the higher grades of the timber but unlimited in the lower grades.
Common Applications
Tulipwood is a cost-effective and versatile timber for a variety of interior applications, including furniture, joinery, cabinetry, doors, moulding and paneling. It is also a good timber for turning and carving.
Common Form
Sawn, Veneer
Workability
American Tulipwood is extremely easy to work. It machines, planes, turns and bores well, and dries easily with little degradation. It takes nails, glue and screws well. It also has good dimensional stability, and takes and holds paint, stains and enamels. A highly attractive finish can be achieved.
Origin of Timber
North America
Readily Available
Other-specify
Availability - Further Information
American Tulipwood is exported widely. It is expected that its availability in Australia will increase with demand.
Source of Timber
Native Forest
Applications
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Decking
Timber decking creates spaces that are functional, practical and aesthetically pleasing. With the right design and care a timber deck will make a valuable addition to any home or business, creating an outdoor living space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
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Doors
Timber is one of the most popular and superior material choices for both internal and external doors. Whether manufactured from solid or engineered timber, there are many stylish and practical options that won't compromise on strength and structural performance. A distinctive timber door can also create visual impact, adding value to any commercial or domestic building.
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External Cladding
The natural appeal, versatility and strength of timber makes it the superior choice for external cladding. Through specification, planning, design and finishing processes, timber cladding not only creates a building of superior strength, acoustic and thermal performance but also creates a place of beauty, style and natural appeal.
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Internal Paneling
Timber paneling creates interiors as warm as they are stylish. Commonly utilising an MDF or plywood substrate, internal timber paneling is natural and versatile and comes as either solid natural timber panels or as sheets of engineered wood products
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Timber Joinery Products
Timber joinery products offer a classic, unique and stylish touch to any interior design.
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Timber Mouldings
Mouldings are extremely versatile and durable, enhancing the aesthetics of any interior and functioning as the icing on the cake for designs with a focus on beauty and splendour.
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