Most likely American Black Walnut; alternatives include lighter-stained walnut, butternut, or elm. — Juglans nigra

Most likely American Black Walnut; alternatives include lighter-stained walnut, butternut, or elm.

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 has useful resistance to decay and insects, though exposed weathering reduces service life.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Predominantly straight, fine, and subdued, with occasional mild waves and cathedral-like figure; appears flat-sawn.

Color & Appearance

Light gray-brown to muted tan, unusually pale for walnut, likely weathered, bleached, or surface-worn. Walnut typically darkens toward rich chocolate brown with age, while sapwood remains lighter.

Hardness (Janka)

1,010 lbf Janka — Medium.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately Durable; heartwood has useful resistance to decay and insects, though exposed weathering reduces service life.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately $8–$18 per board foot for clear kiln-dried lumber; figured or premium stock may cost more.

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 visually; surface abrasion, scratches, and oxidation suggest an older or heavily used finish, not necessarily old-growth wood.

Common Uses

Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, veneer, gunstocks, carvings, and turned objects.

Geographic Origin

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

Workability

Generally machines, sands, glues, and finishes well; dull tooling or irregular grain can cause minor tearout.

Finish Recommendations

Clean and lightly sand, then use dewaxed shellac, lacquer, oil, or polyurethane; a clear finish will deepen contrast, while stain may even the pale surface.

Notable Features

Moderate weight, fine texture, attractive aging, and characteristic walnut grain; the sample’s pale color is atypical.

Learn more about Most likely American Black Walnut; alternatives include lighter-stained walnut, butternut, or elm. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 6, 2026