The surface properties of fast-growing poplar clones and their methyl methacrylate (MMA)-hardened wood related to potential end uses were investigated. Samples from 24 trees of six hybrid poplar clones in one plantation in Quebec were hardened with MMA. The effects of MMA hardening on the density and surface properties were studied. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that filling the voids in the wood structure was the main hardening mechanism. The incorporation of the polymer increased the density of all of the poplar clones by 120-160%. The Janka hardness was found to be 2.5-4 times higher in the treated poplar wood than in the untreated poplar wood. The treated wood also exhibited superior abrasion resistance compared to the controls. The results indicate that hardening with MMA improved the surface properties and that the MMA-hardened wood was comparable to natural hardwoods. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 123: 1428-1436, 2012