Is Oak or Poplar stronger?

In ordinary circumstances, oak is stronger than poplar. Oak is a harder, more dense hardwood, than poplar, which is also classified as a hardwood. The question, though, which would be stronger for a particular purpose would have to examine the actual boards. read more

Poplar and red oak are domestic hardwoods. With a broad range of differentiating qualities, the two are somewhat like comparing apples and oranges. Density, grain, color, cost, appearance and strength are a few of the issues that separate the two.Red oak is denser than poplar. read more

In some woodworking situations, “strength” is an ambiguous term. To say oak is strong doesn’t tell you whether an oak shelf will sag when loaded with heavy objects, or whether its surface is hard enough to resist scratches and dents. You may need better information. Engineers have devised ways to measure specific types of strength. read more