Using Poplar as stock for Shutters

planesailing said:

Hi, I am making some rail and stile shutters for my bedroom. I am going to paint them white, so I am not too fussed on the base look of the stock, but I do want to achieve a nice 'edge' on the routing. I also want to keep the cost down. And for health reasons I want to avoid using MDF or Hardboard. I was thinking about Poplar as it seems cheap (in the UK it is) and I can source some that will be cut to my required dimensions, so all i'll need to do is route, glue and paint. Any advice on whether poplar is a suitable material - or in fact any advice in general around what stock to use? I am new to this all, so treat gently.........Thanks JT

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I think popular would be a great choice. I would prime then paint the color of your choice.

Welcome JT. I also vote for the poplar. We used poplar moldings to replace maple moldings at a factory I worked at once. The wood was getting stained fairly dark so the look was very close and the poplar stayed straighter than the maple and was much easier to bend into place than the maple. Some of the larger crown type moldings couldn't be forced into place if they were maple but the poplar ones could. It is a soft wood for hardwood, machines easily, takes pretty good detail, and sands fairly smooth. It's only two drawbacks that prevent it from being more popular are the softness and lack of character. The Canadian prairie provinces have an abundant supply that most of is being used to make Oriented Strand Board.

I use poplar a lot, especially for face frames. It does mill well. And you have it in abundant supply, so I'd go for it.

I noticed that Sommerfeld has a router bit for making shutters, you might check it out. I am sure other suppliers have similar bits.

go for it...

Hi, thanks for the quick feedback everyone. I will go ahead with the plan, just need to decide on rail and stile router cutters. Cheers

Welcome to the forum.

If possible could you add a first name in your profile. We are a very friendly bunch and first names add to that friendliness.

Great choice as poplar takes paint very well as well as relatively easy workability.

Well John, It looks like you should pop for poplar, as it seems popular midst the population.

Tom, you been collaborating with Daninvan?

Cherryville Chuck said:

Tom, you been collaborating with Daninvan?

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We've got a direct line.