What Wood is That?

Right use of timber and correct wood identification is an important aspect of furniture making and restoration. It is also an important part of enjoying furniture whether old or new. Initially the maker will consider the suitability of any timber based on appearance and mechanical properties. For instance drawer sides and runners are better made from Oak, than say pine, when considering the longevity of a fine piece of furniture. Or the flexibility of Ash or Yew for a chair back, the non splitting quality of Elm in a Windsor seat and so on. Although, these considerations will be of interest to a prospective owner their primary interest after function and design, will probably be one of colour or the beauty of the surface timber.

It is worth remembering that colour will change over time and may affect the perceived beauty. Age will lighten dark woods and darken light woods, whether or not this enhances the beauty, is of course subjective; although I think most people would agree, that age does add a mellow quality that can not be imitated. Atmospheric conditions and proximity to sunlight will either hasten or slow this effect; however nothing will stop it altogether. The net affect is that most woods end-up looking the same, especially if you are not sure what to look for. It can be very difficult for instance, to tell the difference between Walnut and Mahogany, in an antique. The figure of the wood can be very helpful in identifying the species; especially if you can reinforce your suspicion by finding a piece of timber that has been relatively unexposed, say in a drawer opening. Over time one does learn to tell the difference with some authority, , although, the unexpected is always waiting to trip one up, so it really isn’t a good idea to get over confident and show off.
www.thewoodexplorer.com/ is the largest database of timber species I know and is a good place to start researching or just familiarising yourself with different timbers. Naturally the colour plates are of new timber.