How To Identify Wood Types In Furniture [Find Out]

Have you ever wondered what type of wood your favorite piece of furniture is made from

With a little practice, you can easily identify wood types in furniture by looking at the color, grain, and texture.

In this article, we’ll show you how to identify the most common wood types used in furniture making.

So How To Identify Wood Types In Furniture?

How to Identify Wood Types in Furniture

Look for the grain:
The grain pattern of a piece of wood can be a helpful clue to its species.

Check the color:
The color of wood can vary depending on the species, the age of the tree, and the growing conditions.

Feel the weight:
Different types of wood have different densities, so a piece of furniture made from a denser wood will be heavier than a piece made from a lighter wood.

Smell the wood:
Some woods have a distinctive scent, which can be helpful in identification.

Consult a woodworking expert or reference book:
If you are still not sure what type of wood a piece of furniture is made from, you can consult a woodworking expert or a reference book.

How to Identify Wood Types in Furniture

The Basics of Wood Identification

Wood identification is a skill that can be learned by anyone, with a little practice. The first step is to learn the basics of wood grain and color.

Wood Grain

The grain of wood is the pattern that is created by the way the tree’s fibers grew. There are three main types of wood grain:

Straight Grain:

This is the most common type of grain, and it is characterized by straight lines that run parallel to the length of the board.

Curly Grain:

This type of grain is characterized by wavy or curly lines.

Oblique Grain:

This type of grain is characterized by lines that run at an angle to the length of the board.

Wood Color

The color of wood can vary depending on the species of tree, the growing conditions, and the age of the tree. Some of the most common wood colors include:

Light:

White, light brown, or blond

Medium:

Golden brown, reddish brown, or gray

Dark:

Black, dark brown, or red

Identifying Wood Types by Sight

Once you know the basics of wood grain and color, you can start to identify wood types by sight. Here are a few tips:

Look for distinctive features:

Some wood types have distinctive features that can help you identify them, such as sapwood, heartwood, or knots.

Compare the wood to a reference chart:

There are many online resources that offer reference charts of wood types. By comparing the wood you are looking at to a reference chart, you can narrow down the possibilities.

Ask an expert:

If you are still not sure what type of wood you are looking at, you can always ask an expert, such as a woodworker or a lumber supplier.

Identifying Wood Types by Touch

In addition to sight, you can also use your sense of touch to help you identify wood types. Here are a few tips:

Feel the weight of the wood:

Some wood types are heavier than others. For example, mahogany is a heavy wood, while pine is a light wood.

Feel the texture of the wood:

Some wood types have a smooth texture, while others have a rough texture. For example, maple has a smooth texture, while oak has a rough texture.

Feel the hardness of the wood:

Some wood types are harder than others. For example, walnut is a hard wood, while pine is a soft wood.

Identifying Wood Types by Sound

You can also use your sense of sound to help you identify wood types. Here are a few tips:

Tap the wood with your knuckles:

The sound that the wood makes can help you identify the type of wood. For example, maple makes a high-pitched sound, while oak makes a low-pitched sound.

Strike the wood with a knife:

The sound that the wood makes when it is struck with a knife can also help you identify the type of wood. For example, mahogany makes a dull thud, while pine makes a sharp ringing sound.

Conclusion

Wood identification is a skill that can be learned by anyone, with a little practice. By understanding the basics of wood grain, color, and texture, you can start to identify wood types by sight, touch, and sound.

FAQs: How to Identify Wood Types in Furniture

What are the different types of wood used in furniture?

There are many different types of wood used in furniture, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most common types of wood include:

Hardwood: Hardwoods are dense and strong, and they typically have a beautiful grain pattern. Some common hardwoods used in furniture include oak, maple, walnut, and cherry.

Softwood: Softwoods are less dense and strong than hardwoods, but they are often less expensive. Some common softwoods used in furniture include pine, fir, and cedar.

Other materials: In addition to wood, other materials such as metal, plastic, and glass are also sometimes used in furniture.

How can I tell what type of wood a piece of furniture is made of?

There are a few ways to tell what type of wood a piece of furniture is made of.

Visual inspection: The easiest way to identify a wood is by looking at its grain pattern. Different types of wood have distinctive grain patterns, so you can often identify a wood by simply looking at it.

Touch: Another way to identify a wood is by feeling it. Hardwoods tend to be denser and heavier than softwoods, and they often have a smoother texture. Softwoods, on the other hand, tend to be lighter and softer, and they often have a rougher texture.

Sound: You can also identify a wood by tapping it. Hardwoods produce a higher-pitched sound when tapped than softwoods.

Chemical testing: If you are not sure what type of wood a piece of furniture is made of, you can have it tested by a professional. Chemical testing can identify the type of wood by analyzing its chemical composition.

What are the benefits of using different types of wood in furniture?

Different types of wood have different properties, so they offer different benefits in furniture.

Hardwoods: Hardwoods are strong and durable, so they are often used in furniture that will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear. Hardwoods also have a beautiful grain pattern, so they can add a touch of elegance to any room.

Softwoods: Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, so they are often used in furniture that is made on a budget. Softwoods are also lighter than hardwoods, so they are a good choice for furniture that will be moved around frequently.

Other materials: Other materials, such as metal, plastic, and glass, can also be used in furniture. These materials offer different benefits, such as durability, affordability, and versatility.

How can I care for furniture made from different types of wood?

The best way to care for furniture made from different types of wood is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, there are some general tips that you can follow for all types of wood furniture.

Keep furniture out of direct sunlight: Sunlight can fade the color of wood and cause it to crack.

Use a damp cloth to clean furniture: Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the wood.

Wipe up spills immediately: Moisture can cause wood to warp and crack.

Refinish furniture as needed: Refinishing can help to protect the wood and restore its appearance.

What are some common problems with furniture made from different types of wood?

There are a few common problems that can occur with furniture made from different types of wood.

Wood can crack or warp if it is exposed to too much moisture or heat:

Wood can be damaged by pests, such as termites and woodworms:

Wood can be stained by liquids, such as wine and coffee:

Wood can be damaged by UV rays from the sun:

By following the tips above, you can help to prevent these problems from occurring.

Also Read: How To Tell Different Types Of Wood