Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture with relatively large pores. Flat-sawn examples often show a prominent cathedral figure, though this side profile appears straight to slightly wavy.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it develops a honey-like patina and tends to lighten slightly if exposed to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade (FAS/Select).
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be seasoned/kiln-dried dimensional lumber with moderate oxidation; estimated roughly 5-20 years post-harvest based on surface patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification options.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes smoothly, glues well, and takes stains and finishes excellently. It has a faint, characteristic odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when cut; contains juglone (a mild toxin); prized for its stability and beautiful finishing characteristics.
Finish Recommendations
Thrives with penetrating oils (Linseed or Tung) to enhance grain depth, or clear polyurethane/lacquer for protection. No pre-conditioners required.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deep chocolate hue, pore structure, and characteristic grain swirl are highly indicative of North American Black Walnut, though certain dark-stained mahoganies or tropical species can occasionally mimic it.