Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral grain with slight irregularity and medium texture.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with some lighter tan/grey regions. This sample shows significant oxidation and surface weathering; heartwood usually darkens to a chocolate brown over time while light exposure eventually causes it to yellow.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable and very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
10.00 to 18.00 USD per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the deep oxidation, surface grime, and apparent age of the cut.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; takes stains and finishes excellently. Can occasionally exhibit tearout when grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content. Fine pores and excellent dimensional stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or Danish oil) to enhance depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection and to show natural grain.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The dark coloring, cathedral flow, and characteristic oxidation patterns are highly indicative of American Black Walnut, though the weathered surface obscures some fine pore detail.