Mixed selection: Black Walnut, Hard Maple, and White Oak
Juglans nigra (Walnut), Acer saccharum (Maple), Quercus alba (Oak) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight to slightly wavy; edge-grain orientation showing rift and quartered surfaces; coarse texture in Oak/Walnut and fine texture in Maple.
Color Description
A varied palette: dark chocolate brown (Walnut heartwood), creamy white to pale tan (Maple/Oak sapwood), and light tan to medium brown (Oak heartwood); darkens slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf to 1450 lbf (Medium to Hard range depending on the specific strip)
Durability Rating
Varies by strip: Walnut and White Oak are Durable to Very Durable; Maple is Non-durable regarding rot but highly resistant to abrasion.
Common Uses
Edge-grain butcher blocks, cutting boards, kitchen islands, and laminated countertops.
Geographic Origin
Native to Eastern and Central North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on the species and grade of the raw lumber strips.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern (under 10 years) based on standard industrial laminations and visible knife marks indicating active use.
Sustainability Status
Generally high sustainability; widely available FSC certified; not CITES listed.
Workability
Excellent with machine tools; Maple and Oak are prone to burning with dull blades, while Walnut planes easily.
Notable Features
White Oak contains high tannin; Walnut has a distinct nutty scent when cut; all are food-safe when used in this application.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil, beeswax, or butcher block conditioner to maintain hydration and food safety.
Identification Confidence
High; the color contrast, pore structure (open in Oak/Walnut, closed in Maple), and edge-grain lamination are hallmarks of a standard mixed-species cutting board.