Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The sample shows a prominent cathedral-like grain with a wavy, swirling figure typical of turned bowls. Large, open pores are visible on the side grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it moves from a dark chocolate to a more golden brown with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable. Highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, turned objects (bowls), and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly turned/Modern. The wood shows bright, high-contrast colors without the significant fading or 'yellowing' associated with older oxidation. Tool marks suggest recent craftsmanship.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well and glues easily. High levels of contrast make it excellent for turning, though it can produce a distinct, pungent dust that is a sensitizer.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet, and nutty scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to some plants and horses. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Specifically benefits from penetrating oils (like Danish oil or Tung oil) to enhance depth and chatoyance. Lacquer or shellac are also excellent for maintaining color richness.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the deep chocolate brown heartwood with high-contrast pale sapwood, the specific open-pore structure visible in the turn, and the grain swirl are characteristic of Juglans nigra.