3 x 3 x 12
Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is a popular North American hardwood prized for its light weight, easy workability, and smooth, even texture. Though often overlooked, Cottonwood is a favorite among turners, carvers, and artisans who appreciate a wood that tools effortlessly and finishes beautifully.
Because of its soft, forgiving nature, Cottonwood is ideal for makers seeking a clean-cutting material that won’t dull tools and allows for precise shaping.
Why Woodworkers Choose Cottonwood
Incredibly Easy to Work: Cuts cleanly with hand tools or power tools.
Lightweight & Stable: Excellent for large turning projects or carved pieces that need to remain light.
Soft, Uniform Texture: Perfect for beginners and experts alike.
Accepts Dye & Finish Extremely Well: Great for colorful projects, pyrography, and epoxy accents.
Sustainably Abundant: Ethically sourced and widely available throughout North America.
Common UsesCottonwood is widely used for:
Woodturning blanks (bowls, hollow forms, bud vases)
Carving & whittling projects
Laser engraving & pyrography
Boxes, ornaments, craft projects
Rustic art and live-edge décor
Wood Stats
Species: Populus deltoides
Color: Pale cream to soft tan with subtle grain
Grain: Straight, even, uniform; typically low-contrast
Hardness: ~430 Janka (very soft hardwood)
Workability: Excellent — sands, glues, turns, and carves effortlessly
Drying: Air-dries quickly; minimal movement once seasoned
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