How to Identify High-Quality Wood?
When attempting to identify wood samples, it is important to recognize the inherent challenges and limitations of this process. Before continuing, I strongly recommend reading [The Truth Behind Wood Identification] to approach this task with the right mindset. This article is considered a must read for anyone visiting SNXDO to identify wood.
1. Confirm It Is Solid Wood
Before delving into the identification process, verify that the material in question is genuinely solid wood—not an artificial composite or plastic imitation.
Check for End Grain:
Engineered wood products like MDF, OSB, and particleboard have a distinctive appearance that is typically easy to distinguish from real wood end grain. Look for growth rings, which are formed by a tree’s annual growth. Their presence is a strong indicator that the sample is solid, natural wood.
Look for Veneer:
If you observe a large panel with a repeating grain pattern, it may be veneered. In such cases, a thin layer of real wood is adhered to a substrate. Rotary-sliced veneer can produce a continuous repeating pattern. While it may be possible to identify the veneer species, remember that it is not solid wood.
Check for Imitation Finishes:
Many furniture panels are made from particleboard or MDF and then laminated with wood-colored plastic or painted to mimic wood grain. Modern hardwood flooring, for instance, often consists of engineered materials like sawdust, resins, and durable plastics.
2. Examine the Color
Ask yourself the following questions regarding color:
Is the wood’s color natural, or has it been stained?
If the color is not natural, accurate identification may be difficult or impossible.
Has the wood been weathered or developed a patina?
Outdoor exposure often turns wood a uniform gray. Indoor wood also changes over time—some species darken or redden, while others fade. Most woods tend to darken with age.
Can you sand or plane the wood to reveal its raw color?
A freshly sanded surface provides the most reliable baseline for evaluating natural color, free from stains or aging effects.
3. Observe the Grain Pattern
If the wood is unfinished, examine its texture and grain:
Does it have an open, porous structure?
Softwoods are typically smooth, while many hardwoods (e.g., oak or mahogany) have open pores. However, some hardwoods, like maple, are also smooth.
Is the wood quartersawn or plainsawn?
Grain patterns can reveal how the board was cut. For example, quartersawn oak shows medullary rays (flecks), while quartersawn maple exhibits a “butcher block” pattern.
Are there any unique features?
Look for sapwood, curly grain, burls, knots, or other distinctive characteristics. For instance, curly figure is common in soft maple, with tight, pronounced curls, whereas in birch or cherry, it tends to be subtler and more spaced out.
4. Assess Weight and Hardness
Compare the wood’s weight and hardness to known species:
Is the wood dry?
Freshly cut or highly humid-stored wood contains significant moisture, drastically increasing its weight. Wood stored in very dry conditions may feel lighter than average.
How does its weight compare to other woods?
Weigh the wood and compare its density to reference species. Is it heavier than oak? Lighter than pine?
How hard is the wood?
Softwoods are generally less dense than hardwoods. Test hardness by pressing your fingernail into an inconspicuous area. Density and hardness are closely correlated—heavier wood is usually harder. For finished pieces, examine wear patterns: a pine tabletop will show deeper dents than an oak one.
5. Consider the Wood’s History
Use context and logic to narrow down possibilities:
Where did the wood originate?
Knowing the source can greatly narrow potential species. Locally sourced wood limits options, as do specific trades—e.g., antique furniture often uses quartersawn white oak, while boats may use teak or mahogany.
How old is it?
Age affects both appearance and species prevalence. For example, Brazilian rosewood was common in pre-1990s guitars but has since been replaced due to trade restrictions.
What is the size of the piece?
Some species, like Gaboon ebony, typically come in small sizes. Large entirely black panels are likely stained or painted.
What was its intended use?
Application-based profiling helps identification. For example, red oak and hard maple are common in U.S. hardwood floors, while aromatic red cedar is often used in closets.
6. Specialized Identification Methods
When standard methods are insufficient, consider advanced techniques:
Odor:
Freshly sanded or cut wood may have a distinctive scent. For example, rosewoods smell floral. Ensure no finishes or treatments interfere.
Fluorescence:
Some woods fluoresce under ultraviolet light. This can help distinguish visually similar species.
Chemical Tests:
Specific reagents applied to the wood can induce color changes, helping differentiate species like red vs. white oak or red vs. hard maple.
Heartwood Extract Leachability:
Soaking wood shavings in water may release colored extractives. For example, osage orange leaches a yellow dye. This trait is rare and can help identify specific species.
7. Examine the End Grain
End grain analysis is one of the most reliable identification methods. It requires:
A prepared surface:
Sand the end grain progressively (from 100 to 320+ grit) for a clear view. For softwoods, a sharp blade can suffice.
A suitable magnifier:
Use an 8x–15x magnifier or loupe. Basic models are affordable and effective.
A trained eye:
Learn to recognize anatomical features. Macroscopic end grain analysis distinguishes key traits between hardwoods and softwoods.
Still Unsure?
If you’re unable to identify the wood, consider these options:
USDA Forest Products Laboratory:
U.S. citizens can mail samples for free professional identification (limit three per year). Turnaround may take a month or more.
Alden Identification Service:
A paid service with faster turnaround (days to weeks). Accepts samples from antiques.
Online Communities:
Share high-quality photos online for free advice. Note that accuracy depends heavily on image clarity.