The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study of black cherry (Prunus serotina), red oak (Quercus rubra), and red pine (Pinus resinosa) wood samples extracted with ethanol, ethanol -toluene, and water was conducted to evaluate chemical modifications occurring on the wood surface due to wood extractives, and derive possible implications for wood utilization.Results obtained indicate an increase in the O/C values following extraction treatments due to the partial removal of high carbon content extractives. The C 1s peaks indicated a decrease in the area of the C1 peak, known to originate from lignin and extractives following extraction. At the same time, a rise in the C 2 peak (mainly originating from cellulose and hemicelluloses) was observed, indicating that more cellulose was exposed on the wood surface following extraction. The O 1s peaks showed an increase in the O 1 peak originating from cellulose, therefore confirming the trend observed for C 1s peaks. These results suggest that extracted wood is more wettable because of the increased exposure of high-oxygen-content cellulose molecules, known to be more hydrophilic than lignin and high carbon content extractives.