Black Walnut (primary), Hard Maple, and Purpleheart
Juglans nigra (Walnut), Acer saccharum (Maple), Peltogyne spp. (Purpleheart) • Exotic/Tropical Mixed Hardwoods
Grain Pattern
Walnut: Straight to wavy with cathedral figure and moderate texture; Maple: Straight with fine, even texture; Purpleheart: Straight with fine pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from deep chocolate brown (Walnut), creamy off-white (Maple), to a distinctive vibrant purple (Purpleheart); Walnut will lighten while Maple yellows over time.
Hardness Rating
Varies: 1,010 lbf (Walnut - Medium) to 2,520 lbf (Purpleheart - Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Varies by species: Walnut (Very Durable), Maple (Non-durable), Purpleheart (Very Durable); mix creates a moderately durable interior piece.
Common Uses
Cutting boards, charcuterie boards, furniture accents, inlay work, and decorative cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Walnut/Maple) and Central/South America (Purpleheart)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on local availability and strip width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern fabrication (1-5 years) based on crisp lamination lines and vibrant color preservation of the Purpleheart stripe.
Sustainability Status
Generally sustainable; Walnut/Maple are abundant; Purpleheart is listed as Least Concern by IUCN but sensitive to tropical deforestation.
Workability
Excellent for Walnut/Maple; Purpleheart is difficult due to density and can burn easily or exude gummy resin when heated by tools.
Notable Features
Walnut has a distinct nutty scent when cut; Purpleheart is photo-reactive, changing from dull brown to purple upon exposure to UV then back to dark brown.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil and beeswax/carnuba wax blend to emphasize natural color and provide safety for food-contact surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High: The contrast between the chocolate walnut grain, the bright purple strip, and the light maple sapwood is characteristic of modern laminated kitchenware.