Wood Species Guide
Aspen
Populus tremuloides and Populus grandidentata (sold together as aspen)
Also called: Quaking Aspen, Trembling Aspen, Bigtooth Aspen, Large-Tooth Aspen, Popple, Poplar (regional)
About the name “Aspen”
Aspens are true poplars (Populus). Lumberyards in the US use "poplar" for yellow poplar (Liriodendron), a different tree on our Poplar page. Aspen lumber is usually a mix of quaking and bigtooth aspen.
What Aspen looks like
Creamy white to very pale tan, with little difference between heartwood and sapwood. Some boards show light brown streaks.
Grain and texture
Straight grain with a fine, even texture and little figure. It is plain and uniform.
Working Aspen: planing, cutting and gluing
Light and soft, so it cuts easily, but it tends to fuzz on the planer and saw, so use sharp blades. It glues, nails and screws without splitting. It has no smell or taste, which is why it is used for sauna benches and food crates.
Finishing Aspen: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes paint well; stain can blotch, so use a conditioner. Fuzzy surfaces need a light sanding after the first coat. The closed grain seals easily before epoxy.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Not durable and susceptible to insects. Fairly stable once dry. In Florida, keep it indoors and finish all faces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Aspen is a light, plain wood that stays cool to the touch, which is why it is a classic for sauna benches and backrests. It also makes good drawer boxes, shelving and craft projects. It is too soft for tabletops. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Aspen
Sauna benches, crates and boxes, pallets, match sticks, paneling, oriented strand board, pulp and craft wood.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Both aspens are widespread and rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- No common reactions reported
Few reports. Nothing beyond ordinary wood dust irritation is documented.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Good choice for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
No specific reactions have been reported beyond the normal effects of wood dust. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Aspen in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Aspen listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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