Wood Identification

How to Identify Wood

Wood identification is a skill, not a gift. Like reading grain before a cut or spotting tension wood in a warped board, it develops through deliberate observation. The tools you need are mostly already with you: your eyes, your nose, your hands, and a basic understanding of what

Using End Grain for Identification

End grain is the cross-cut face of a piece of timber — the surface exposed when you saw across the grain. It's the surface most woodworkers glance at and ignore. That's a mistake. End grain is the most information-dense surface a piece of wood has. It shows the internal structure

Ring Porous vs Diffuse Porous Woods

Grain Patterns and Figure

Colour Changes in Wood

Ageing and Patina

The surface oxidises. UV breaks down lignin. Extractives migrate. Dirt fills pores. Edges polish. High points wear. Low points collect grime.

Distinguishing Similar Species

Identifying Softwoods

Softwood identification is its own skill.

Identifying Hardwoods

Hardwoods are the woods of flowering trees (angiosperms).

When Identification Becomes Impossible

Some wood can be identified with careful end grain work and a loupe.