Free Wood Identifier - Identify Woods by Picture Online Free

For the most reliable answer, photograph the leaves or bark of the tree the wood came from, and the identifier will return its scientific name, such as Fraxinus americana for white ash. Finished lumber without bark is difficult to identify from a photo, so treat any result for cut boards as a starting point.

Oak has distinctive rays (fine lighter streaks) visible on split surfaces, a strong tannic smell when freshly cut, and is heavy. Red oak end grain has large open pores, while white oak pores are plugged.

Hardwoods come from broadleaf trees like oak, maple and walnut, and their end grain usually shows pores. Softwoods come from conifers like pine and spruce, often have a resinous smell, and their end grain shows no pores.

Never burn wood from poison ivy or poison oak vines, painted or pressure-treated lumber, or oleander, as the smoke can be harmful. Some woods such as black walnut are also toxic to horses as bedding.

A clear photo of a leaf from the top and a close-up of the bark at chest height. In winter, a twig with buds and any fallen leaves or seeds under the tree help a lot.