Hickory

Straight grain with coarse texture, hearwood is reddish to pinkish brown, often with streaks and bands of darker red/brown areas. Narrow sapwood is pale yellowish white. Eash to work with both hand and machine tools, dents and scratches easily due to its soft nature.

Poplar typically has a straight, uniform grain, with a medium texture. Heartwood is light cream to yellowish brown, with occasional streaks of gray or green. Sapwood is pale yellow to white, not always clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Moderate to non-rot resistance, can be subject to insect attack. Very easy to work in almost all regards, one of Poplar’s only downsides is its softness.

Generally straight grain, some have curly grain patterns, Heartwood is light pinkish brown when cut, then darkens with time and exposure to light. Sapwood is pale yellowish color. Common for most to have some sapwood along the outer edges. Durable and resistant to rot, however not generally used in exterior applications. Machines well. Some issues when staining.