Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to semi-irregular with a medium-coarse texture. The center panel exhibits a subtle cathedral pattern, while the rails and stiles show a straight, linear grain typical of rift-cut or flat-sawn lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to deep chocolate brown. The sample shows significant oxidation over time. Sapwood would be pale yellow-gray but is likely stained or excluded here. Luster is naturally medium to high, develops a warm patina with age.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable. Very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (Powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, gunstocks, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
12.00 to 18.00 USD per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
30 to 60 years. The oxidation of the finish, the style of the hardware, and the specific wear patterns/finish checking suggest mid-20th-century construction.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, and holds nails and screws securely. Its only challenge is occasional grain tearout if grain is highly figured.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Contains juglone, which rarely affects the finished wood but is notable in the living tree.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oils (linseed or tung) enhance the natural darkness. For this specific piece, a satin lacquer or light polyurethane would match the existing furniture sheen. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural grain figure.
Identification Confidence
High. The dark chocolate hues combined with the specific pore structure visible in the scratches and the soft cathedral grain on the recessed panel are hallmark traits of Juglans nigra.