Cottonwood
Populus deltoides
Genus: Populus · Family: Salicaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
North America
Avg. Dried Weight
28 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
430 lbf
Decay Resistance
Non-Durable
Typical Color
White / Straw
Stability
Low
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Easy
Availability
Common in U.S.
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Cottonwood is softer than 93% of species in our database, making it one of the lightest and easiest to work by hand.
Janka Hardness Scale
Very Soft
Overview
Professional Summary
Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is one of the fastest-growing North American hardwoods, producing a lightweight, pale timber primarily used for hidden structural components, pallets, and veneer core stock. At just 430 lbf Janka, it's very soft for a hardwood but serves important industrial roles.
In Plain English
Cottonwood is the massive fast-growing tree along rivers and streams across America. The wood is soft, light, and not much to look at — but it's cheap, plentiful, and does important behind-the-scenes work as pallet lumber, plywood cores, and hidden framing.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Pallets, crating, plywood/veneer core stock, pulpwood, and hidden structural components.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Not durable outdoors. Very soft and prone to denting. Fuzzy grain makes clean finishing difficult. Prone to warping.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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You Might Also Consider
Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar white / straw color that are easily confused with Cottonwood. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Softer (Janka 67 lbf)
- • Lighter (9 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Perishable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Decay: Perishable
- • Texture: Fine, even
- • Harder (Janka 1,480 lbf)
- • Heavier (42 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Harder (Janka 1,630 lbf)
- • Heavier (47 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Fine