1. A recording apparatus for executing a recording operation on a recording medium by recording means based on recording information, comprising: sheet feed means which feeds the recording medium in a stacking portion; first detection means which detects a width dimension of the recording medium in the stacking portion; second detection means which detects a surface characteristic of the recording medium in the stacking portion; and discrimination means which discriminates a type of the recording medium, based on detection results of the first and second detection means.