Hello and Thanks for your inquiry.

Poplar is traditionally seen as a lesser of the hardwoods or not even a hardwood due to its softer nature.

However, there are many other factors than hardness to determine a woods overall quality. I have used poplar for years on dining tables for growing and active families as well as audio / video professionals with desks being used 12+ hours a day.

Poplar is is a very resilient wood not as prone to cracking and warping as other 'harder' woods. It retains its strength over seasonal movement and is softer nature actually benefits its ability to take on life marks with grace and add to the look, feel and patina over the years.

Even oak and walnut with dent with use. It is more a factor of design and finish that either allows for natural aging or makes it appear downhill from the first scratch. Our tables are design to get better with age no matter what wood is used. But poplar is our favorite in this regard.

Its light and dark contrast is very unique and appears to be more exotic than many imported hard woods. It is domestically harvested and grows very quickly making to it very sustainable In comparison .

Overall poplar had a bad rap perpetuated by a lot of grumpy woodworkers who consider it a practice/paint grade wood. Cause it's soft , green and ugly. I have personally found this myth to be very untrue. Our natural outdoor sun tanning process brings out the best in its colors and preps the wood in weather to be ready for years of service in any indoor setting. I have many clients out there still love vinc there polar tables after years of daily use. I'll trust their time tested feedback over tradition any day.

Any other questions just ask.

Warm Regards,

Brandon Monk Muñoz

Monkwood

Hello,

Apologies I didn't see your last question. Yes, I make trestle tables with wood or steel bases or a combo of both. Any hardwood of your choice: Poplar, walnut and reclaimed fir or my favorites.

All pieces are designed and built to be used everyday and get better with age. The natural patina is a good thing, years of memories will be collected as the table gets handed down. I especially think poplar will surprise many people in the future. Its softness will be a benefit in this regard.

Please send a direct message if you have any further inquiries. They are better seen that way.

Either way, thank you for your interest in my work.