Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; featured in this split sample as somewhat wavy with a coarse, open-pored texture and distinct growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a deep chocolate brown to a dark coffee color; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It develops a lustrous patina over time, though it may lighten slightly with prolonged UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
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 (prices vary by region and figure).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a semi-mature tree (approx. 30-50 years based on ring curvature) and has been recently split/felled given the lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can be prone to tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Dark heartwood contains high tannin levels. Dust can be a mild sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) best highlight the chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for high-wear surfaces. No pre-stain sealer required.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown heartwood color, semi-ring-porous end grain, and characteristic rough-split texture are clinical indicators of North American Black Walnut.