Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium texture and visible open pores typical of the Juglandaceae family; slightly wavy figure is visible near the top left corner.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with a dull, matte luster. It exhibits natural oxidation that typically lightens toward a golden-brown over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot (subject to local availability and grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Secondary use or reclaimed stock approximately 20-40 years old based on surface oxidation and dry check marks on the edge.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally produce tearout if grain is interlocked.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint spicy odor when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant to some individuals; excellent dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance the depth of the brown color, or clear polyurethane for durability; sanding to 220 grit is usually sufficient.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the deep chocolate color, diffuse-porous structure visible in the surface texture, and characteristic check marks are highly indicative of Juglans nigra.