I find that poplar that is available today is very prone to decay, not at all the
same as old growth. I would not recommend whispering the words: water; moisture;
rain; snow or condensation when standing too close to modern growth poplar.
However, have found that if a treatment of BoraCare is applied prior to painting
that this produces a very durable wood substrate. (This is not meant to be a
commercial)

- Dr. John's Snake Oil Emporium
========

Ralph Walter wrote:

> Leland,
>
> You might try poplar, too.  I have heavy rails on my front porch which turned
> out to be poplar and held up pretty damn well for 100 years plus.  You might
> get into the new vs old growth problem, though.
>
> Ralph