Likely black walnut; alternatives include butternut or another pale/oxidized walnut-family wood. — Juglans nigra (tentative)

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

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

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.

Learn more about Likely black walnut; alternatives include butternut or another pale/oxidized walnut-family wood. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 11, 2026