Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be irregular; features a medium texture and moderate natural luster. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral-like pattern with some slight interlocking and visible pore structure common to semi-ring-porous species.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows the classic deep chocolate assessment, which typically darkens and mellows with age, though it can lighten if exposed to high UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack. It is one of the most durable domestic hardwoods in North America.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width and grade (FAS).
Wood Age Estimate
The surface patina and visible compression marks/scratches suggest this is a finished piece of furniture approximately 20-40 years old. The finish has ambered slightly.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Commonly cited as one of the most enjoyable woods to work with; it glues, stains, and finishes well. It responds excellently to both hand and machine tools, though figured pieces can occasionally grain-chip during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural dark tones. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended for high-wear surfaces like table tops. Water-based finishes may leave the wood looking slightly 'cold' or gray.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic deep chocolate brown color, distinct pore arrangement, and grain movement are quintessential markers of Juglans nigra, particularly in a furniture context.