Black Walnut, Hard Maple, and Cherry
Juglans nigra, Acer saccharum, and Prunus serotina • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Combination of straight, cathedral, and curly figures. The Maple shows some subtle 'tiger' curl/flame figure. Walnut displays straight to slightly wavy grain. Cherry shows smooth, tight grain with small pitch flecks.
Color Description
Dark chocolate brown (Walnut), creamy white to light gold (Maple), and reddish-brown with amber tones (Cherry). All three will deepen in color over time, particularly the Cherry which darkens significantly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
Varies by strip: Walnut 1,010 lbf (Medium), Maple 1,450 lbf (Hard), Cherry 950 lbf (Medium).
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable. Walnut is very rot resistant; Maple and Cherry are less so, but all are ideal for interior use and food contact when sealed.
Common Uses
Cutting boards, butcher blocks, fine furniture, cabinetry, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Varies by species averaging $10.00-$18.00 per board foot for select/better grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently manufactured (less than 1-2 years). The colors are vibrant and lack the heavy oxidation or knife scarring typical of older boards.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available through FSC certified suppliers.
Workability
Excellent. All three work well with both hand and power tools, though Hard Maple can burn if blades are dull, and Walnut dust can be a mild irritant.
Notable Features
Walnut has a faint, spicy scent. Maple is scentless. Cherry has a mild, sweet scent when worked. This combination is a classic 'tri-color' aesthetic for culinary boards.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or a beeswax/mineral oil blend (butcher block conditioner). Avoid film-forming finishes like polyurethane for food preparation surfaces.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct colors of the dark walnut, light maple, and warm-toned cherry in a laminated edge-grain configuration are characteristic of North American hardwood craftsmanship.