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How to Identify Pine and Deal in Antique Furniture

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Pine and deal were used for visible country furniture and as secondary woods behind expensive veneers.

What to examine

Notice growth-ring contrast, resin canals, knots and comparatively light weight. Drawer linings and backs may show the clearest evidence.

Avoid the common trap

Old pine may be painted, stained or oxidised dark. Do not strip a surface merely to identify the wood.

Record your findings

Photograph the whole object, the feature in context and a close-up with scale. Note what is observed separately from any conclusion.

Reliable starting points

  • [V&A collections](https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections)
  • [The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline](https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/)

Identification should combine several forms of evidence. Do not use destructive tests, and seek a specialist opinion where attribution or value matters.

Learn by looking closely

See workshop examinations and restoration details on the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).