Likely black walnut; butternut or another walnut is a less likely alternative. Identification from a finished surface alone is tentative.
Juglans nigra (probable) · Hardwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Black walnut is native to eastern and central North America, especially the U.S. Midwest and Appalachia.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf — Medium
- Durability
- Moderately durable; heartwood has useful decay resistance, while sapwood is less resistant to insects and rot.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to irregular grain with visible cathedral figure and small knots; appears flat-sawn. No distinctive high-value figure is evident.
Color & Appearance
Medium golden to dark brown with darker streaks and knots; finish and age may have warmed the color. Sapwood is not clearly visible; surface sheen appears finish-related.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf — Medium
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable; heartwood has useful decay resistance, while sapwood is less resistant to insects and rot.
Value & Age
Roughly US$8–15 per board foot for ordinary kiln-dried walnut; grade, thickness, region, and retail format 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 the image; surface wear and patina suggest use, but do not establish the wood’s age.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, gunstocks, turning, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Black walnut is native to eastern and central North America, especially the U.S. Midwest and Appalachia.
Workability
Generally machines and sands well; sharp cutters help limit tearout on irregular grain. Glues and finishes readily; predrilling is useful near edges.
Finish Recommendations
Apply a compatible stain or clear oil, lacquer, or polyurethane after sanding; test first, as finishes can deepen the brown and emphasize variation.
Notable Features
Distinctive brown color, attractive grain, and good dimensional stability when properly dried; knots and color variation are visible here.