Origin
Commercially in the North Eastern USA.
Working properties
Aspen does not split when nailed, it machines easily with a slightly fuzzy surface, and turns, bores, and sands well. It takes paint and stain well to produce a good finish although care is required where the surface is fuzzy. It has low to moderate shrinkage and good dimensional stability. Aspen is a true poplar, and therefore has similar characteristics and properties to cottonwood and European poplar.
General description
The wood is light and soft, with low bending strength and stiffness, and medium shock resistance. It has a very low bending classification.
Main uses
Furniture parts (drawer sides), doors, mouldings, picture frames, millwork, toys, kitchen utensils. Matchsticks. Important specialized uses include sauna laths because of its low conductivity of heat, and chopsticks.
