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2K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  WDHLT15 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
What type of wood is this? This is floor joists and beams from a warehouse in MS, built in 1945. It has a dark patina. I thought it was pine but maybe cypress.
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#13 ·
I would say that it is almost certainly pine. Here is how to tell. Cut a clean slice on the end grain with a very sharp knife or razor knife. Look closely at the growth rings. If it is pine, you will see resin canals. A magnifying glass or hand lens will make it easy to see them if there are there. If it is pine, you will definitely see them.

Cypress does not have resin canals. Here is what a resin canal looks like.

http://www.faculty.sfasu.edu/mcbroommatth/Lectures/Wood_Science/Lab_2_Resin_Canal_Species.PDF
 
#14 ·
My first impression from the grain was western red cedar but not sure how common that would have been in MS back in the 40's especially with an easy supply of pine available. I would take a knife and slice off some of the patina to see the underlying color and also see if you can smell the wood. Cedar may still have a pretty distinctive smell. I would also slice the end grain to see if there are resin canals to rule out bald cypress.
 
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