Expert: Jamie Yocono - 3/27/2005

Question
Hi Jamie,
 How does one learn to tell the difference between woods? For example, how can you tell if it is mahogany versus walnut? I am working at a furniture consignment shop and many times people ask, do you know what kind of wood this is? Also, what is the difference between veneers and solid? How can you tell? Is there a place on the internet that can give me this info?
Thanks,
Robyn  

Answer
Hi Robyn,

I understand how identifying wood can be a challenge! I had some difficulty when I was just getting into woodworking, so I'll try to offer some suggestions.

First, there is a book that's probably considered the best for wood identification, and it is "Identifying Wood: Accurate Results With Simple Tools" by R. Bruce Hoadley. If you're really serious about identifying wood, you NEED this book.

Another tip is to buy a set of veneer samples to help with your problem. Constantine's of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (www.constantines.com) sells two different veneer sets- one has 50 samples for about $22.00, and that will probably give you just about every sample of wood that you will ever encounter. I bought one of these kits when I was just starting out, and it was invaluable.

Maybe the place you work will purchase these two items- they would be quite helpful to both employees and customers.

Next- if you have a locally owned lumber yard in your town, you might visit and ask for some samples. I'm not talking about Lowe's or Home Depot, but a smaller, more intimate stores where they actually know what they're talking about. In my town, I have a lumber yard that will cut small pieces and label them for anyone I send there. I was teaching woodworking and sent many of my students there to buy wood, so they were more than happy to give samples out.

Last thing suggestion about wood identification- I've learned not use color as the main way I identify wood. Since staining wood is so popular, you can't go by the color alone when trying to identify it. Grain patterns and the pores of the wood will tell you MUCH more about the type of wood, rather than it's color. Learn the grain and you'll really be able to start proper identification.

As far as being able to tell if it's solid wood or if it's veneered- it's actually pretty easy, but it takes some training.  Look at the wood. Does it have end grain? If you're looking at a table top and there is not end grain on the ends, it's probably veneered. Look at the underside of the wood. Does the grain under it correspond to the grain on the top of the wood? The glue lines (where wood is glued together) should be consistent on the top and bottom of your wood panel. I think the consistencies from the top and bottom surface are a good starting point to figuring out if it's veneered. And end grain is a dead give away.

Also- on the edge of a board- you can sometimes spot a line where the edgebanding has been glued. Sometimes it's quite thin and hard to see, like a 1/20th of an inch. But in some pieces, the edge banding can be 1/4" thick and quite easy to discern. Once again- it just takes good observation, so when you look at a piece of furniture- REALLY look at it.

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
www.wooditis.com
Las Vegas, NV