Likely American black walnut; color-altered lighting makes alternatives such as cherry difficult to exclude. — Juglans nigra

Likely American black walnut; color-altered lighting makes alternatives such as cherry difficult to exclude.

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern North America, especially the central and eastern United States.
Hardness
1,010 lbf — Medium.
Durability
Moderately Durable; heartwood resists decay reasonably well, while sapwood is more susceptible to insects and rot.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Mostly straight, fine grain with subtle irregular streaking; appears flat-sawn. No distinctive figured pattern is visible.

Color & Appearance

Muted gray-brown in the image, possibly affected by lighting or finish. Walnut heartwood is typically light-to-dark brown and may lighten with age; sapwood is pale cream to yellowish.

Hardness (Janka)

1,010 lbf — Medium.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately Durable; heartwood resists decay reasonably well, while sapwood is more susceptible to insects and rot.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Roughly US$8–15 per board foot for typical kiln-dried, surfaced walnut; grade and region strongly affect price.

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

Wood Age Estimate
Not reliably estimable from this image; no clear patina, wear, or oxidation cues are visible.

Common Uses

Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, gunstocks, turning, and musical instruments.

Geographic Origin

Eastern North America, especially the central and eastern United States.

Workability

Generally machines, sands, and glues well; sharp tools give clean results. Pilot holes help prevent splitting when fastening near edges.

Finish Recommendations

Sand evenly and use oil, shellac, lacquer, or clear polyurethane; a clear finish preserves the brown color and emphasizes grain.

Notable Features

Moderate weight, often attractive brown heartwood, and good dimensional stability; the pictured sample shows little prominent figure.

Learn more about Likely American black walnut; color-altered lighting makes alternatives such as cherry difficult to exclude. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 24, 2026