Identifying Hardwood Species

It s usually best to begin with a relatively smooth saw cut as from a fine toothed miter saw blade and proceed through the grits starting at around 100 and working up to at least 220 or 320.

Identifying hardwood species.

However in many denser species especially in tropical hardwoods one of the best ways to obtain a clear endgrain view is through diligent sanding. The starting point for most people when identifying trees species is the leaves. What we half remember is enough for us to happily relegate trees to the background of everywhere we go and everything we do. Wood hardness varies among the hardwood species and some are actually softer than some softwoods.

Karri oak scientific name. Tree identification guide it s easy to go through life with what our third grade teacher taught us about trees. However there are a few key criteria to look for in wood identification. In addition to the basics where they grow general description and abundance.

Needles scales and broadleaf. Despite its name this species is related to neither karri eucalyptus. Pennsylvania has over 100 native tree species but there are seldom more than 10 to 15 different species in any one location. Here is a quick leaf identification key of the common hardwoods in north america.

This is the third edition of this site containing nearly twice as many species higher resolution imagery and more in depth descriptions of each. However there are exceptions. Trees with broad flat leaves as opposed to coniferous or needled trees. This site includes descriptions and imagery of nearly 60 species of common and not so common lumber species found throughout the u s.

Most evergreens have needles or scales while most broadleaf trees are deciduous meaning they drop their leaves when dormant. There are three basic leaf types. Here we tackle a few ways to recognize some of the most common species of wood in north america by sight. The guide to american hardwood species.

This guide features 20 of the most abundant and most often used hardwood species. Lbs ft3 kg m3 janka hardness. This only compounds the challenges involved with identifying wood types. The wood database online can show specific grain types color variations and hardness to help in the hardwood floor identification.

This publication presents information about 10 important pennsylvania hardwood tree species their identification characteristics and wood. Some species are easy to identify such as oak pine cherry and fir. Lbf n estimated hardness based on specific gravity shrinkage. It isn t until one dies on your property and you need a tree removal.

As a resource american hardwoods are abundant renewing and sustainable and an excellent choice for eco effective design and building.