Identifying wood

For this reason, I decided to revise and expand this site. It has been designed to serve both the amateur and experienced person in identifying unknown wood specimens. In order to learn to identify wood it is necessary to have a working knowledge of wood cell structures and their appearances. Unless you are already familiar with the terminology, you will likely refer to the Glossary frequently. A definition of the term, and in most instances, an image has been supplied to aid understanding.

How can you identify different wood types? How do I identify different types of wood? How to identify wood species? Very informative detailed information on wood anatomy with good explanations of all the woody jargon. Was able to identify almost all the wood articles in my house, also to confirm my antique chest of drawers is really mahogany with oak drawer cases.

Identifying Wood refers to the cover photograph of the book with the same name in which a middle-aged man is shown examining the texture of a wooden panel with a microscope. There are two types of oak: red oak and white oak. Both species are light brown in color, although red oak usually has hints of re and both have visible growth rings and straight grains. Identifications based on wood anatomy are generally accurate only to the genus (e.g.

ash, spruce) or, in some cases, to a subgeneric grouping (e.g., white oak group), but rarely to the exact species. Therefore, all information known about the specimen is important and should be provided. This organic material made from natural cellulose fibers is found in their roots and stems, growing upward all the way to the tops of their canopy. The terms hardwood and softwood do not refer to density but rather to the type of tree- hardwoods come from deciduous trees and softwoods from conifers.

Softwoods grow fast and straight so. Color is sometimes helpful and sometimes unhelpful for identifying firewood. Color can be a great approach for wood like Cherry, or Mulberry, which have unique coloration.

However, many types of wood are light brown in color, and the color of wood does change as it dries and is exposed to sunshine. Ash, oak, maple and hickory are some of the most common hardwood examples that are lighter in color. Wood Types Compared) - Duration: 3:40. Pine, spruce, fir and poplar are a few of the most common softwood examples that are light in color.

If the wood is a soft wood your fingernail will leave an indention. Apply more of the finish type atop the old. You want a clean, dull finish, so first remove any polish or wax with mineral spirits or soap and water. Wide Selection For All Your Needs. Top Brands To Create With Confidence.

The practical way to identify wood is by its grain and color. This is because the cell structure of a tree is different for each species and determines its grain. Hardwoods will have tubular cells called vessels that are visible as pores in the wood. For example, if the cells are large then the texture of the wood will be slightly rough or open. Distinguishing the wood from various tree species can be a complex process, but for a woodworker simply wanting to tell common types of lumber apart, a few broad guidelines are all that are needed.

Three common types of lumber used in building are pine, Douglas fir and redwood. These are all softwoods, but with distinctive appearances. Wood identification is of value in a variety of contexts - commercial, forensic, archaeological and paleontological.

If your fingernail leaves a mark, it is softwood.