SPECIES

Aspen

Populus tremuloides

American Aspen is a true poplar species, widely distributed across the Northeast, Lake States, and the Rockies. Known for its light, soft wood, Aspen is unique for its sustainability, quick regeneration, and pioneer growth after forest fires.

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APSB499-06
4/4 S&B Aspen
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Aspen has white sapwood and light brown heartwood, with minimal color contrast between the two. The wood features a fine, uniform texture and straight grain. Its smooth appearance makes it well-suited for applications requiring a consistent finish.

WORKABILITY

Aspen is easy to machine but can produce a slightly fuzzy surface. It doesn’t split when nailed and finishes well, though extra care may be needed on fuzzy areas. Aspen offers good dimensional stability and holds paint and stain effectively.

COMMON USES
  • Furniture parts
  • Doors
  • Mouldings
  • Cabinets
  • Food packaging
GRADE OPTIONS

Clarity for all applications

Our Aspen comes in a variety of different grades. See below for images of our average pack of Aspen in the core three grades we offer. 

Select & Better
APSB499-01
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 1 Back Face
APSB499-02
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 1 Top Face
APSB499-03
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 2 Top Face
APSB499-04
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 2 Back Face
APSB499-05
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 3 Top Face
APSB499-06
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 3 Back Face
APSB499-07
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 4 Top Face
APSB499-08
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 4 Back Face
APSB499-09
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 5 Top Face
APSB499-10
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 5 Back Face
APSB499-11
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 6 Top Face
APSB499-12
4/4 SB Aspen 
Layer 6 Back Face

Specs

Min. Width: 4 in

Min. Length: 6 ft

Min. Clarity: 83.33% 

1 Common
AP1C499-02
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 1 Back Face
AP1C499-01
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 1 Top Face
AP1C499-03
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 2 Top Face
AP1C499-04
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 2 Back Face
AP1C499-05
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 3 Top Face
AP1C499-06
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 3 Back Face
AP1C499-07
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 4 Top Face
AP1C499-08
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 4 Back Face
AP1C499-09
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 5 Top Face
AP1C499-10
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 5 Back Face
AP1C499-11
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 6 Top Face
AP1C499-12
4/4 1C Aspen 
Layer 6 Back Face

Specs

Min. Width: 3 in

Min. Length: 4 ft

Min. Clarity: 66.66% 

2 Common
AP2C499-02
4/4 2C Aspen
Layer 1 Back Face
AP2C499-01
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 1 Top Face
AP2C499-03
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 2 Top Face
AP2C499-04
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 2 Back Face
AP2C499-05
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 3 Top Face
AP2C499-06
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 3 Back Face
AP2C499-07
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 4 Top Face
AP2C499-08
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 4 Back Face
AP2C499-09
4/4 2C Aspen  
Layer 5 Top Face
AP2C499-10
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 5 Back Face
AP2C499-11
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 6 Top Face
AP2C499-12
4/4 2C Aspen 
Layer 6 Back Face

Specs

Min. Width: 3 in

Min. Length: 4 ft

Min. Clarity: 50% 

All Aspen Products We Offer

Grades Lengths (ft) Thicknesses  Color or Characteristic Sorts
Select & Better (S&B) 8, 9-10, 11-12*

4/4, 5/4*

 UNS
1 Common (1C) 4-8, 9-10, 11-12*

4/4, 5/4*

 UNS
2 Common (2C) 4-8, 9-10, 11-12*

4/4, 5/4*

 UNS

*Available upon request only

regional map - w names

Sourcing Regions

We typically source our Aspen from the  Northern  region of the US which is the primary area that Aspen grows.

The American Hardwood Export Council has an excellent interactive map that can show you where different species grow in the US.

Click the link below and select the species "American Aspen" to see a map of how much of the US forest volume is Aspen. 

CHECK OUT THE MAP

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Additional Resources

EBOOK

Guide to Sustainable American Hardwoods

This publication combines AHEC’s guide to species and the guide to lumber grades in to a single illustrated and comprehensive guide to sustainable American hardwoods. The front half of the publication gives a full break down of the properties, applications, environmental credentials of the commercially available U.S. hardwood species. The back gives a simplified explanation of the NHLA grading system, which is the national standard for the U.S. hardwood lumber industry and forms the basis for export grading.

VIEW EBOOK
Guide to Sustainable American Hardwoods
GUIDE

American Aspen - AHEC Species Guide

Discover detailed info on material availability, mechanical properties, and more on the American Hardwood Export Council website. 

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