Enter your observations
Use measurements you can verify. Unknown or unreadable details can be left unspecified where the tool allows it.
Select observations that are genuinely visible. Grain and pore clues carry more value than colour or perceived weight; finish, species variation and different furniture components can mislead.
Observed characteristics
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How to use this tool
- Tick only characteristics you can see or have already documented; do not infer species from colour alone.
- Choose the regional context only when supported by reliable information.
- Choose the evidence basis and review candidates by overlapping clues.
- Record visible surfaces and secondary components separately if they may use different woods.
What the result means
Common furniture woods such as oak, walnut, mahogany-type hardwoods, cherry, maple, pine, ash, elm, beech and rosewood-type timbers differ in pore structure, grain, density and colour. Appearance varies by species, cut, growth conditions, finish, age and lighting.
The tool ranks broad candidates by overlap with selected observed traits. The score is a simple count for organizing research, not a validated probability. Stronger identification requires consistent anatomical evidence and a reliable reference or qualified examination tied to the exact part.
Limits and good practice
Do not scrape original finish, remove veneer, cut a sample or use chemicals to identify wood with this tool. Colour and weight alone are unreliable. A cabinet can combine several species and later repairs; consult a furniture conservator or wood anatomist if exact identification matters.
References and further research
Frequently asked questions
Can wood colour identify the species?
No. Stains, varnishes, waxes, oxidation, light and dirt can change colour; different species can appear similar.
Can an antique have more than one wood species?
Yes. Visible surfaces, secondary structures, drawers and replacement components may use different woods.
Is open grain enough to prove oak?
No. Several woods have visible pores, and appearance depends on the cut and finish. Look for multiple characteristics.
Can I test a tiny piece by scraping it?
Not with this guide. Avoid destructive testing of original furniture; consult a specialist if exact identification matters.
Does regional context identify the wood?
No, but documented region and period can help prioritize timber histories and references.
What is the strongest evidence?
Several consistent anatomical clues plus a reliable reference or qualified identification tied to the exact component are stronger than colour or style alone.