
Likely black walnut; alternatives include butternut or another pale/oxidized walnut-family wood.
Juglans nigra (tentative) · Hardwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America, especially the central and eastern United States.
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf; Medium (just above the stated 850–1,200 range’s lower boundary).
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; heartwood has some decay resistance, while sapwood is less resistant to insects and rot.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to gently wavy grain with broad, flowing cathedral figure, likely flatsawn; no distinctive figured pattern is evident.
Color & Appearance
Muted brown-gray heartwood with a lighter tan/gray area that may be sapwood or uneven surface oxidation. Freshly exposed walnut is usually richer brown; light exposure tends to mellow and lighten it.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf; Medium (just above the stated 850–1,200 range’s lower boundary).
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; heartwood has some decay resistance, while sapwood is less resistant to insects and rot.
Value & Age
Roughly US$8–20 per board foot for ordinary kiln-dried lumber; grade, thickness, region, and retail sourcing alter the price substantially.
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 reliably estimate from the image; the surface appears weathered or dusty, but no diagnostic age or wear evidence is visible.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, gunstocks, turning, and decorative millwork.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, especially the central and eastern United States.
Workability
Generally machines, sands, glues, and fastens well; sharp cutters help prevent tearout in figured grain. Usually finishes smoothly.
Finish Recommendations
Sand evenly and apply oil, shellac, lacquer, or clear polyurethane; a clear finish can enrich the brown tones. Test on an offcut because color varies across the board.
Notable Features
Walnut is valued for its color, moderate weight, and attractive grain; the pictured board’s pale, uneven appearance is atypical of uniformly dark walnut heartwood.