USD
GBP
EUR
Readers often ask us how to identify timber species. This time, Mr. Shen Yuxin specifically uses Indonesian timber as an example to list the identification methods in detail. Don't forget to click the upper right corner to bookmark this page! (Contains graphic images; those with trypophobia should proceed with caution.)
Timber species are divided into two main categories
Coniferous and broadleaf woods are two major categories of timber species, as everyone knows. But do you know how to distinguish between the two?
Broadleaf wood, also known as hardwood, has indistinct annual rings. Its cells are mainly composed of irregularly sized vessels (Vesse), sieve tubes (Tracheids), wood rays (Wood Rays), parenchyma cells (Parenchyma), and wood fibers (Fer). It is the most common type of wood with a density of 100 or higher, but there are also species with a lower density.
Coniferous wood, also known as softwood, has distinct annual rings. Its cells are mainly composed of relatively regular sieve tubes (tracheids), wood rays (wood rays), and parenchyma cells. The wood is mostly soft, but some species have high density. In Indonesian timber markets, only two types of softwood are commonly found: pine (Merkusii pine) and Philippine yew (Agathis).
Examine the characteristics of the wood closely
By observing the appearance characteristics of the radial, tangential, and transverse sections of wood, the species can be clearly identified.
Color: The color characteristics of the wood's appearance can help identify the species, such as Kapur. After sawing, the sapwood is light yellowish-green, and the heartwood is pink.
When Kapur logs are sawn open, the sapwood is a light bluish-yellow color.
It is distinctly different from the pink heartwood.
Odor: The odor of wood can help identify the species. For example, Kapur wood emits a camphor scent when it is sawn.
Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of wood can help identify the wood species. For example, ironwood (Belain or Un) has an air-dried density of 850-1100 kg/m³.
Annual rings: Most Indonesian hardwoods do not have distinct annual rings, but some species have more distinct annual rings. For example, Rengas (commonly known as Sumac) can be divided into diffuse porous hardwood and ring porous hardwood based on the distribution and arrangement of its vessels. For example, Red Willow and Porog are ring porous woods.
Heartwood: Heartwood is usually brittle. Some wood species contain more extractives and are heavier. For example, the heartwood of kaempferia contains crystalline resin and is white like icicles. In some wood species, the heartwood and sapwood are clearly distinguishable, such as the tree species commonly known as Renga.
Kapur heartwood contains
A white, icy crystalline resin.
Sapwood: Usually light yellow or white in color. In some wood species, the color difference between sapwood and heartwood is not obvious, such as rubberwood.
Wood Grain: The grain of each type of wood is different. Common wood grains include: a) straight grain, such as ironwood; b) wavy grain; c) spiral or diago grain.Interlocking grain (as in dark Meranti) can help identify wood species.
Texture: The texture of wood varies from species to species. You can distinguish the texture by looking at it or touching the surface of the wood with your hands, which helps in identifying the species.
Wood Rays: The thickness, color, and luster of wood rays can be observed on the tangential and radial sections of planed wood using a magnifying glass (10-20x), which can help identify the wood species.
Identification by cell extracts
Use a 10-20x magnifying glass to observe the planed wood surface and identify representative characteristics of the wood species to help identify the species.
Latex: When observing undried wood with the naked eye, some species, such as Merbau, have lacquer visible at the end of the log. When using a band saw, lacquer can be found staining the band saw blade.
Resin Canals: For example, red eucalyptus wood has obvious resin canals, which is one of the important characteristics that helps identify the species.
Enlarged cross-section of red eucalyptus wood
Clear resin ducts are visible.
It is one of the important characteristics that helps identify the species.
Oil: After planing kerus, the oil on the surface of the wood can be seen. It is easier to see the oil penetrating to the surface of the end from the cross section.
Minerals: The minerals contained in the wood cells of each type of wood are not necessarily the same. For example, in Merbau, yellow minerals containing sulfur can be clearly seen with the naked eye in the tangential or transverse sections of the vessels, while yellow linear minerals can be seen in the tangential sections of the vessels.
For example, Merbau is located within a transverse duct.
Many yellow minerals, resembling sulfur, are clearly visible to the naked eye.
It is one of the important characteristics that helps identify the species.
Have you encountered various problems when manufacturing boards or processing wood? Don't hesitate to consult Mr. Shen Yuxin immediately!
Mr. Shen Yuxin was born in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia in 1948. He graduated from the Department of Forestry at National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan in 1974 and subsequently worked for the Taiwan Forestry Bureau. From 1975 to 1995, Mr. Shen worked in the timber processing and engineered wood products industry in Malaysia, Singapore, and Borneo, holding positions such as engineering technician, production supervisor, production manager, and general manager. In 1996, Mr. Shen also joined the Asia Woodworking Group of a globally renowned chemical company as Regional Technical Service Director.