Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Semi-ring-porous grain with prominent growth rings. The cross-section shows a mix of straight to irregular grain near the heart, with some radiating drying checks (radial cracks) and possible crotch figure developing toward the top edge.
Color Description
Rich dark chocolate brown heartwood with a slight purple or reddish cast; the outer edges (sapwood) show a lighter creamy-yellow to tan hue. It will likely develop a warmer golden-brown patina over time with exposure to UV.
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, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Between $12.00 and $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The log itself appears to be from a tree approximately 40-60 years old based on ring count; the sample appears to have been seasoned outdoors for 2-5 years given the surface graying and checking.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available and managed in North American forests.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally exhibit tearout if the grain is figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once dried. Contains natural tannins.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or polyurethane to highlight depth. A clear topcoat will preserve the dark color longer than wax alone.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the dark chocolate heartwood, narrow creamy sapwood, ring-porous structure, and specific radial cracking patterns are characteristic of Juglans nigra.