Aspen Lumber

The sapwood of aspen lumber is white, blending into the light brown heartwood. Aspen lumber has a uniform texture; is straight grained, lightweight and moderately soft.  It has a relative hardness ranging from 350 to 420, depending on its sub species.

Aspen grows from Alaska through Canada and into the northeastern and western United States. It is in the same family as the poplar tree.

Because aspen lumber is so white, it is sometimes substituted for holly when doing inlay or marquetry.  It should be noted, however, that the aspen is a much softer wood than the holly, so substitution may not be suitable in all applications.