Yeah poplar gets a bad rap. Maybe people have trouble with the color with the white and green. CN uses it all the time and I have been getting great results with it. Yes u have to take some care because it will blotch but for the price? it's worth it. I did a credenza last week and stained with a mix of different colors of general finishes dye stains. everyone that has seen it thinks it's cherry. now I took the time to prep it properly but I can't find cherry for under 2$ pr bf. to me it's worth it.