Guides to identifying wood types in furniture using grain, colour, texture, and end grain so the correct refinishing approach can be chosen.
End grain is one of the clearest clues when you’re trying to figure out what type of wood you’re working with. Unlike surface grain, which can trick the eye, end grain reveals the wood’s structure. Pores, rings, and texture all show up more clearly, making it the most reliable place to start. When I first…
Ever looked at a piece of furniture and thought, “I’ve no idea what kind of wood this is”? One of the first clues you can check is whether the grain is open or closed. It sounds complicated, but really it just means: does the surface look rough with visible pores, or does it look smooth…
Choosing the right finish for a project starts with knowing what wood you are working on. Many refinishers struggle to tell oak from ash or maple from birch, yet recognising the most popular furniture woods makes refinishing easier and helps avoid costly mistakes. I grew up in Canada surrounded by maple and orangey oak, but…
If you’re working on a vintage or rustic piece with a warm tone, clear grain lines, and a slightly soft feel — you might be looking at Douglas fir. But figuring that out for sure isn’t always easy. Learning how to identify Douglas fir in furniture can help you avoid refinishing surprises. It’s not a…
Redwood isn’t a wood I’ve come across in any European furniture — and honestly, I’m not even sure how often it shows up in furniture. But it does get mentioned, especially in North American forums, reclaimed wood projects, and vintage outdoor pieces. If you’re trying to identify redwood in furniture, it helps to understand what…
Poplar might not be the most glamorous wood, but if you’re learning how to identify poplar wood in furniture, it’s one you’ll often encounter — especially inside drawers, cabinet backs, or behind layers of paint. It’s subtle, streaky, and constantly confused for maple or pine. The first time I sanded a poplar drawer box, I…
Suppose you’re learning how to identify chestnut wood in furniture. In that case, the biggest clue might be what’s missing — ray flecks, smooth grain, or consistent tone. Chestnut often gets mistaken for oak, but look closer, and you’ll spot key differences: softer texture, open grain, and, sometimes, tiny wormholes. I haven’t seen a confirmed…
Beech is one of the most misidentified woods in furniture. It shows up everywhere — in vintage chairs, drawer sides, IKEA frames — but often gets confused with maple, birch, or even oak. If you’re learning how to identify beech wood, look for its subtle pink tones, tight grain, and tiny flecks. These soft features…
Contrast is your biggest clue if you’re learning how to identify hickory wood in furniture. Hickory doesn’t hide — it’s heavy, bold, and often resembles two completely different woods glued together. That’s the sapwood and heartwood working side by side. I haven’t seen hickory in European furniture yet, but I want to be ready when…
Ash wood is one of those sneaky types that loves to pretend it’s oak. But the difference shows up fast once you start sanding — or just run your hand across it. The grain is bolder. The texture is smoother. And the colour? Way paler. If you’re learning how to identify ash wood, this guide…