Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features a medium-to-coarse texture. In the background floor, it displays cathedral and swirling patterns typical of flat-sawn walnut.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a golden brown with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, luxury flooring, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America, ranging from southern Ontario to northern Florida and west to the Great Plains.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Typically $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The log sample appears to be from a branch or small tree (approx. 10-15 years based on diameter); the finished flooring shows maturing oxidation typical of 1-3 years post-installation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, holds glue well, and finishes to a high luster, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its moderate weight-to-strength ratio and exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes are best to highlight the natural depth. Polyurethane is recommended for high-traffic flooring applications like that seen in the background.
Identification Confidence
High; the deeply furrowed, dark, diamond-patterned bark of the log sample paired with the characteristic chocolate-colored finished flooring in the background confirms Black Walnut.