Wood Identification

How to Identify WoodComing soon

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 IdentificationComing soon

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 WoodsComing soon

Grain Patterns and FigureComing soon

Colour Changes in WoodComing soon

Ageing and PatinaComing soon

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

Distinguishing Similar SpeciesComing soon

Identifying SoftwoodsComing soon

Softwood identification is its own skill.

Identifying HardwoodsComing soon

Hardwoods are the woods of flowering trees (angiosperms).

When Identification Becomes ImpossibleComing soon

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