Identifying Hardwood Logs

Here s what to look for when identifying pine oak maple walnut cherry birch cedar poplar ash and douglas fir.

Identifying hardwood logs.

The guide to american hardwood species. Hardwood and softwood and the distinctive set of characteristics of each type of wood which will determines the aesthetic and intrinsic strength of the. This article is a one stop guide to provide some insights into the traditional classification of wood. Hardwoods like oak ash and walnut will weigh about twice as much as softwoods like pine and cedar.

In addition to the basics where they grow general description and abundance. This guide features 20 of the most abundant and most often used hardwood species. Any help in identifying the wood is most. When i first put this site together more than a decade ago its purpose was to exist as a resource for students in forestry who needed to learn to identify wood as part of their curriculum.

This is the third edition of this site containing nearly twice as many species higher resolution imagery and more in depth descriptions of each species. All stored firewood tends to weather to a sort of uniform grey but weight will vary. Here is a quick leaf identification key of the common hardwoods in north america. Pine it s relatively easy to identify this type of wood because of the frequent presence of dark knots and its distinct yellow color although this can sometimes lean more towards pale yellow or light brown depending on.

Trees with broad flat leaves as opposed to coniferous or needled trees. Checking weight is one way to help identify cut firewood. As a resource american hardwoods are abundant renewing and sustainable and an excellent choice for eco effective design and building. Although variable in shape all hardwood leaves have a distinct network of fine veins.

Heft two logs the heavier one is probably a hardwood. A thorough understanding of how to distinguish hardwoods from softwoods is essential as you make your choices for the next project.