The New Janky Wood Database

Information collected from various internet sources - references available in species details. I use this as my own personal tool, but it is available for others to reference as needed.

Identify Wood Species Instantly

Browse our comprehensive database of wood species with detailed properties, grain characteristics, and sustainability information

Wood Species Database

Showing all 50 species

Identify Your Wood

AI Photo Identification β€” Coming Soon

This feature is currently in development. In a future update, you'll be able to upload or take a photo of a wood sample and get an AI-powered species identification. For now, use the tips below and the Browse section to identify your wood manually.

Wood Identification Tips

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Examine the Grain

Look at the grain pattern - is it straight, wavy, or interlocked? Hardwoods often have more complex patterns than softwoods.

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Note the Color

Natural wood color varies greatly. Remember that stains and finishes can alter appearance significantly.

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Feel the Weight

Hardwoods are typically denser and heavier than softwoods. Exotic woods can be extremely dense.

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Check the Pores

Look for open pores (like oak) vs closed pores (like maple). Use a magnifying glass for small details.

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Smell Test

Many woods have distinctive odors - cedar is aromatic, walnut has a mild scent, and some tropicals are very fragrant.

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End Grain Analysis

The end grain often shows the clearest identification features. Look for growth ring patterns and pore arrangements.