Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or curly. This sample shows a straight to slightly wavy grain with a medium texture and visible open pores characteristic of diffuse-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. This sample exhibits a warm, golden-brown hue likely enhanced by an oil-based finish. It typically darkens with age, though sustained light exposure can cause it to lighten slightly over decades.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (especially sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for select grade
Wood Age Estimate
The visible patina and the depth of the finish suggest this is a mature furniture piece, likely 20-40 years old, showing stabilized oxidation colors.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well. It can occasionally produce tearout if grain is figured, and it has a faint, mild odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive walnut scent when cut; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some; known for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Oil-based finishes (tung oil, linseed oil) or clear lacquers are recommended to enhance the natural depth and chatoyance of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pore structure, color transition, and grain orientation is highly diagnostic for North American Black Walnut, specifically a specimen that has been finished with a warm-toned sealant.