Most likely American walnut; alternatives include gray walnut or stained ash/oak. — Juglans nigra

Most likely American walnut; alternatives include gray walnut or stained ash/oak.

Juglans nigra · Hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Hardwood
Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the United States and southern Canada.
Hardness
Janka approximately 1,010 lbf — Medium.
Durability
Moderately durable; heartwood offers reasonable decay resistance, while sapwood is more vulnerable to insects and moisture-related deterioration.

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Grain Pattern

Mostly straight, fine-to-medium texture, with subtle wavy/interlocked areas; appears predominantly flat-sawn or rift-sawn.

Color & Appearance

Brown to gray-brown heartwood with lighter sapwood and moderate natural luster; walnut commonly develops warmer, richer brown tones with age.

Hardness (Janka)

Janka approximately 1,010 lbf — Medium.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately durable; heartwood offers reasonable decay resistance, while sapwood is more vulnerable to insects and moisture-related deterioration.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Approximately US$8–18 per board foot for ordinary kiln-dried walnut; premium figured or wide boards may cost substantially 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 determined from the photograph; it appears relatively clean and recently finished, with no definite antique patina.

Common Uses

Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, architectural millwork, gunstocks, veneer, turning, and decorative panels.

Geographic Origin

Eastern and central North America, especially the United States and southern Canada.

Workability

Generally machines, planes, sands, glues, and finishes well; interlocked grain can cause localized tearout, and predrilling is advisable for fasteners.

Finish Recommendations

Use a clear oil, wiping varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane; sanding sealer helps produce an even finish, especially where sapwood is present.

Notable Features

Distinctive dark color, attractive contrast between heartwood and sapwood, good dimensional stability, and a mild characteristic walnut odor when freshly worked.

Learn more about Most likely American walnut; alternatives include gray walnut or stained ash/oak. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 11, 2026

Encyclopedia

Learn about Most Likely American Walnut; Alternatives Include Gray Walnut Or Stained Ash/oak. in the encyclopedia

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