Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The bowl exhibits cathedral figures on the face and high levels of figure/burl near the rim with bark-inclusion elements.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and novelty items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for standard lumber; significantly higher for figured or burl sections suitable for turning.
Wood Age Estimate
The object appears to be a contemporary turning (within the last 10-20 years) based on the finish condition and tool marks, though the tree itself was likely 50-80 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, and takes finishes exceptionally well, though the dust can be an irritant.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, mild odor when being worked. Contains juglone, which is a mild toxin; the wood is prized for its dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance depth, or a film finish like polyurethane or lacquer for protection. Carnauba wax is excellent for turned bowls.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate tones, specific grain structure characteristic of Juglans species, and the high contrast between heartwood and sapwood visible at the rim are diagnostic for Black Walnut.