Aspen

Poplar typically has a straight, uniform grain, with a medium texture. Heartwood is light cream to yellowish brown, with occasional streaks of gray or green. Sapwood is pale yellow to white, not always clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Moderate to non-rot resistance, can be subject to insect attack. Very easy to work in almost all regards, one of Poplar’s only downsides is its softness.

Sitka Spruce has a fine, even texture, and a consistently straight grain. Ranges from cream/white to yellow; heartwood can also exhibit a subtle pinkish red hue in some instances. Heartwood is rated as being slightly resistant to non-resistant to decay.

Straight grain with coarse texture, hearwood is reddish to pinkish brown, often with streaks and bands of darker red/brown areas. Narrow sapwood is pale yellowish white. Eash to work with both hand and machine tools, dents and scratches easily due to its soft nature.