Bulletin E0746
Identifying Wood: A Guide and a Key
February 11, 2016 - Eldon A. Behr
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EmailLike most useful arts, wood identification takes time and skill to learn. The best way to learn is to become familiar with the appearance and structure of the various woods under the guidance of one who knows them. This is not always possible, however.
This publication can help you identify woods. However, it includes only those woods commonly encountered by hobbyists, builders, furniture makers, carpenters and do-it-yourselfers. Only three imported woods are included; thus the key is not intended for use on most exotic items such as imported novelties and carvings.
If you work with the same few woods daily, you can easily identify these on sight. If you are a novice, however, it is a bit more difficult until you use the key several times. Your task will be greater if the wood is covered with a stain or other finish, or if you cannot examine all sides of the piece. Wood turnings may be difficult to identify unless the end of the piece can be examined.
You can easily be fooled by printed grain, overlays, laminates, and plastic finished to look like wood unless you are familiar with wood. Much furniture being made today is largely hardboard, particleboard, wood veneer, and plastic laminates.
For positive identification, a 10x hand lens and sharp pocket knife are of great help. Many times, however, the wood part to be identified cannot be cut so other methods must be used.
