Likely black walnut; alternatives include mahogany or walnut-family tropical wood — Juglans nigra

Likely black walnut; alternatives include mahogany or walnut-family tropical wood

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Midwest and Appalachian regions.
Hardness
1,010 lbf Janka — Medium
Durability
Moderately durable; heartwood offers reasonable decay resistance, while sapwood is more vulnerable to insects and rot.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Mostly straight to moderately irregular, with broad flowing grain and possible flat-sawn cathedral figure; no clear quarter-sawn or specialty figure visible.

Color & Appearance

Aged golden-brown surface with darker brown streaks and subdued luster, likely altered by finish and oxidation; black walnut commonly darkens toward rich brown with age.

Hardness (Janka)

1,010 lbf Janka — Medium

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately durable; heartwood offers reasonable decay resistance, while sapwood is more vulnerable to insects and rot.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $8–$18 per board foot for clear, kiln-dried walnut; finished antique furniture value depends heavily on provenance and construction.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be reliably dated from the photograph; the worn finish and patina suggest decades of use, not necessarily old-growth wood.

Common Uses

Furniture, tables, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, gunstocks, turning, and interior architectural work.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America, especially the Midwest and Appalachian regions.

Workability

Generally machines and sands well, though irregular grain may tear out; predrilling is advisable, and gluing and finishing are typically straightforward.

Finish Recommendations

Clean gently, abrade lightly, and use shellac, lacquer, oil, or polyurethane; test first because the existing aged finish may cause uneven absorption.

Notable Features

Distinctive dark streaking, attractive grain movement, moderate weight, and good dimensional stability; the image does not show enough end grain for confirmation.

Learn more about Likely black walnut; alternatives include mahogany or walnut-family tropical wood in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 8, 2026

Encyclopedia

Learn about Likely Black Walnut; Alternatives Include Mahogany Or Walnut-family Tropical Wood in the encyclopedia

View all →