Most likely Black Walnut; alternatives include Black Locust or darkened White Oak. — Juglans nigra

Most likely Black Walnut; alternatives include Black Locust or darkened White Oak.

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the United States and southern Canada.
Hardness
1,010 lbf Janka — Medium.
Durability
Moderately durable; heartwood has useful decay resistance, though prolonged soil contact and wet exposure will eventually cause rot and insect damage.

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Grain Pattern

Appears mostly straight to mildly irregular, with coarse texture; the round cross-section suggests flat-sawn trunk wood, but end-grain detail is obscured by weathering.

Color & Appearance

Dark chocolate-brown heartwood with a narrow, lighter sapwood band; outdoor oxidation and moisture have darkened the surface, reducing normal walnut color variation and luster.

Hardness (Janka)

1,010 lbf Janka — Medium.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately durable; heartwood has useful decay resistance, though prolonged soil contact and wet exposure will eventually cause rot and insect damage.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $8–$18 per board foot for sound kiln-dried walnut; this weathered log is likely worth little without salvageable lumber.

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

Wood Age Estimate
The log appears recently felled or weathered for months to a few years; the moss, bark condition, and dark surface are not reliable indicators of tree age.

Common Uses

Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, turning, carving, and interior architectural trim.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America, especially the United States and southern Canada.

Workability

Generally machines, sands, glues, and finishes well; grain reversals can tear out, and silica or embedded grit in reclaimed wood can dull tools.

Finish Recommendations

Mill and dry first, then use oil, shellac, lacquer, or polyurethane; remove oxidized surface and fill defects as needed.

Notable Features

Distinctive dark heartwood, moderate weight, attractive aging, and a characteristic mild walnut scent when freshly cut.

Learn more about Most likely Black Walnut; alternatives include Black Locust or darkened White Oak. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 7, 2026