• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Adverticia

Advertising Strategies for Today's Media World

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Business Tips
    • Construction
    • Family
    • Fitness
    • Furniture
    • Health
    • Swimming Pools
    • Technology
    • The Arts
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact

The Recession-Plagued Popularity & Pricing of Poplar

Last updated on November 12, 2013 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Poplar tree farm
Poplar tree farm

Long appreciated as a utility species ideal for projects intended to have a painted finish, Poplar has traditionally been a popular hardwood species available at bargain prices. However, with the Recession and a general movement toward thrift, good old supply-and-demand principles have come into play. With the increased demand for Poplar, the price of this commonly used species has climbed significantly.

Now, don’t get worried: Poplar is nowhere close to becoming an endangered species. In fact, quite the contrary is the case. Current replanting ratios required by the US Forestry Department ensure no problems. At the same time, even without a shortage, the cost of this plentiful species will probably continue to rise, making it much less economical of a choice for many applications than it once was.

lumber mill
Lumber mill

To understand the economics behind the increased price of Poplar, you need to realize that the production of that species has always been a low price, high volume industry. As the height of the Recession triggered a stall on new construction, the demand for species like Poplar and Red Oak hit record lows. As a result, many mills specializing in those species simply could not remain in business. The decreased demand, in addition to fewer sawmills harvesting and producing Poplar lumber, contributed to national harvesting levels’ dropping from nearly 10 billion board feet to only 6 billion feet.

Despite a general optimism regarding the Recession’s end and rising amounts of new construction, production levels have remained low; the closed down mills which felt burned only a few years ago aren’t exactly jumping at the chance to stick their necks out once again, so the remaining mills producing Poplar continue to raise their prices — and understandably so. Of course, this kind of pricing situation is far from unique, particularly for utility species such as Red Oak or Poplar; it’s happened before, and it will probably happen again.

Lumber ready for purchase
Lumber ready for purchase

Over time, history will likely repeat itself, and the industry will come full circle, with more mills emerging, production increasing, and over-production causing decreased prices. Red Oak went through such a cycle in the latter decades of the 1900s. Due to massive overproduction, high inventories of Red Oak met with low demands, causing prices to drop significantly. As a result, current Red Oak prices are equivalent to those seen in the 1970s.

How long will the price of Poplar continue to rise? We’re not exactly sure. However, what goes up, must come down, and the entire process can be cause for general optimism regarding the national and even global economy. So when you shake your head at the price you’re paying for Poplar today, remind yourself that there’s a reason for it and even that dark cloud has a silver lining.

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums. Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.

From the J. Gibson McIlvain blog

  • Import plywood tariffs disappear
  • Replace those dock boards with Ipe and save
  • The long and winding road of African hardwood export

Image credits: Top by PHOTOERICK/Fotolia; Middle by Kirill Livshitskiy/Fotolia; Bottom by alexvav/Fotolia.

Filed Under: Construction

Additional Articles

one by four ipe boards
Ipe Wood – Facts about Brazilian Walnut
walnut crown molding
The Natural Appeal of Walnut Wood
Large new backyard pool before being filled with water
Decision Making: 3 Types of Swimming Pool Construction
concrete parking lot by factory
Industrial & Commercial Property Concrete Parking Lots
Planning Your Indoor Swimming Pool, Part 2
luxury indoor pool with sky lighting
Planning Your Indoor Swimming Pool, Part 1

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 × 5 =



Primary Sidebar

Tropical decking lumber
Plywood options

Featured Articles

  • Should I Use Ipe or Teak?: Two High End Lumbers Explained
  • 4 Common Tropical Decking Problems- And Their Solutions
  • Facts about Sapele Wood - Uses & Supplier Information
  • Why Is Cherry Wood So Popular?
  • Decking Considerations: Ipe Timing and Pricing
  • Hardwood Plywood: Is it Dangerous?
  • Thinking Outside the Trends: Afromosia as a Teak Alternative
  • Ipe: Air Dried, Kiln Dried, or a Combination of Both?
  • Inland & Coastal Cedar – Appreciating the Differences
  • Alternatives to Spanish Cedar: Cheaper, Readily Available & Weather Resistant
J Gibson McIlvain Lumber Company
Lyon Financial

Popular Articles

  • Stop Hiding Your Phone Number, Walmart.com
  • Dance Studio Management Software Review
  • Septic Tank Pumping in Mooresville, NC
  • How do They Get Those Surgical Instruments So Clean?
  • Are Your Shoulder Blades Crooked?
  • The Bedroom Source: Maxtrix Furniture for Kids
  • Maxtrix: Bunk Beds with Unlimited Options
  • Top 3 Household Hazards for Kids
  • Getting Started with X10 Home Automation
  • Why a Swimming Pool Is a Great Addition to a Healthy Lifestyle
X10 Home Automation

Reader Feedback

  • Norie Rie on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Afton Jackson on Wood Flooring: Environmental & Economic Benefits
  • Zoey Bac on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Karen M. on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Jacky Clemente on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Abby Cinalla on 3 Options for Pool Heating
  • Luke Smith on Benefits of Owning Your Own Swimming Pool

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap

Adverticia.com does not provide medical advice, treatment or diagnosis; content on this website should not be utilized for medical treatment or diagnosis. The information provided is intended for general consumer information and should not take the place as a substitute for professional medical advice.