Matching finish to church pew

Matt, the wood can be either since the cost is just about the same. White oak is a little cheaper around here but not by much. Red and White Oak are almost interchangeable as they age so it may be difficult to find out. Green stain can be used to mute the red color of certain wood so perhaps it was too red for them originally? Best way is to experiment with the same wood in an inconspicuous area, perhaps from underneath the pew? Best people to take samples of wood to are flooring guys and even they can have a hard time identifying pieces.Put one end of newly cut red oak in water and you can blow bubbles with it ( most times). That will change with wood sitting for a long period of time though. The rays and grains are different as well but sometimes it’s subtle. Google it and you’ll find ways to tell, probably too many…I had to do this very same thing to match a flooring job and after all my research and passing a piece around to lots of lumber people as I went, it came down to this old flooring guy that had been working in the yard forever. Even he had a little difficulty. Good luck.

Greenish, might be ash. White oak is more expensive, and tends to be for outdoor projects. Plus the pores might have been filled (doubtful), a good shot the finish is a catalyzed lacquer, something very commercial and quick to apply. And no fun to breathe.

Reiki?

I was thinking more along the lines of telepathy but Reiki would work. I guess you could try smelling it. There is a distinct aroma to oak particularly when you burn it with your saw blade. But in a larger picture, the differences become more obvious. Ash’s pores are not as large and open as you might find in oak. If the board is not stained, it’s even easier to tell. Ash is more creamy looking. At least that’s my experience.

Ash is a bit, well, yellower I guess. Joe is clearly used to cream past the pull date.

At least I didn’t say that oak was more green.