Wood species reference
Every species here, from soft to hard.
Janka hardness is the force it takes to press a steel ball halfway into a board. Tap any sample to see its grain, density and common uses.
Species
Identify your wood
AI Photo Identification — Coming Soon
This feature is currently in development. In a future update, you'll be able to upload or take a photo of a wood sample and get an AI-powered species identification. For now, use the tips below and the Browse section to identify your wood manually.
Wood Identification Tips
Examine the Grain
Look at the grain pattern - is it straight, wavy, or interlocked? Hardwoods often have more complex patterns than softwoods.
Note the Color
Natural wood color varies greatly. Remember that stains and finishes can alter appearance significantly.
Feel the Weight
Hardwoods are typically denser and heavier than softwoods. Exotic woods can be extremely dense.
Check the Pores
Look for open pores (like oak) vs closed pores (like maple). Use a magnifying glass for small details.
Smell Test
Many woods have distinctive odors - cedar is aromatic, walnut has a mild scent, and some tropicals are very fragrant.
End Grain Analysis
The end grain often shows the clearest identification features. Look for growth ring patterns and pore arrangements.