Now that the main project is complete and out of my shop, I have a honey do list before I start the next rocker.  On the list, a book case about 7 tall by 3 wide.  LOML wants it painted black.  I want it to be from hard wood.  I am thinking poplar. Is this still the hardwood of choice for paintable quality lumber?
Thanks in advance.

I don't think you could go wrong with it. It works good, planes out nice and takes the paint very good.

I used a stain instead of paint on the chest I did in the bed room. It was a black stain and it took it nicely. I put a satin poly on the top. LOML doesn't like the glossy look.

depending upon the look you want perhaps an open grained wood like ash or elm maybe even meranti might be an option?

Poplar, maple and yes I have painted cherry, yes cherry paints very well. All 3 paint well. I guess it boils in most cases cost and what I/you have on hand.

I need to visit that stain idea, I have seen your bedroom furniture with that, and I loved it. THanks John

John Moody said:

I don't think you could go wrong with it. It works good, planes out nice and takes the paint very good.

I used a stain instead of paint on the chest I did in the bed room. It was a black stain and it took it nicely. I put a satin poly on the top. LOML doesn't like the glossy look.

An opened grain is something I had not considered, my simple mind went to smooth surface as soon as my wife said paint it. But I do love the idea of an open grain like ash, that does look cool. I have seen it on furnishings before.

John Hechel said:

depending upon the look you want perhaps an open grained wood like ash or elm maybe even meranti might be an option?

Wheeedogggy! Paint Cherry! I couldn't do it Richard. You got guts man. Cost is an issue on this project, and poplar and ash is abundant in my parts, it's a little over a buck a foot. After reading J Hechel's advice, I am now leaning towards ash, with perhaps some of John Moody's black stain? The best of all worlds?

Richard McComas said:

Poplar, maple and yes I have painted cherry, yes cherry paints very well. All 3 paint well. I guess it boils in most cases cost and what I/you have on hand.