Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular; features a medium texture. Common figures include cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards and occasional curls or crotches.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light pale brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Color tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on grade, width, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The log appears to be from a mature tree (40-60 years old) based on the thick, deeply furrowed bark and log diameter, showing signs of being felled or fallen for 1-2 years due to minor bark slippage and surface oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable, though under pressure from Thousand Cankers Disease.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well. It holds nails and screws well, though pre-drilling is recommended near edges. It turns and finishes beautifully.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant or toxic to some plants and animals. Known for high dimensional stability after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (linseed or tung oil) best highlight its natural dark tones. Polyurethane or lacquer provides excellent protection. Avoid heavy staining to preserve natural chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the deeply furrowed, dark, roughly diamond-patterned bark shown in the image is characteristic of mature Juglans nigra, as are the dark brown tones visible where the bark has chipped away.