Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but characterized here by irregular and adventurous figure due to presence of knots and live-edge transition. Includes occasional wavy grain and some cathedral patterning visible in the planed section.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is creamy white to pale yellow. This sample shows a distinct line between the dark heartwood and the yellowish-white live-edge sapwood. Color tends to lighten/yellow over time 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 (evidenced by the visible bore holes in the outer edge of this sample).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and lathe turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width; live-edge slabs often command higher specialty pricing.
Wood Age Estimate
The raw slab appears to be reclaimed or air-dried for several years (5-10+). The heavy oxidation on the end grain and the insect damage in the sapwood suggest it was a downed log or stored in a barn/outdoor setting for a significant period.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well. The main challenge in this specific sample is the insect damage and knots which can cause tearout or require stabilization with epoxy resin.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. The sapwood on this specimen shows significant 'spalting-like' decay and insect activity.
Finish Recommendations
Teak oil or Danish oil to pop the grain; polyurethane or lacquer for durability. For this specific 'rustic' slab, epoxy resin fills are recommended for the voids and insect holes.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown heartwood transitioning sharply to pale sapwood, combined with the specific pore structure and typical North American insect damage, is diagnostic of Juglans nigra.