Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. The sample shows a fine, fairly uniform flat-sawn grain with slight figure and open pores typical of the walnut genus.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample displays a rich, warm medium-to-dark brown often associated with a clear topcoat. It tends to lighten/yellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be modern dimensional lumber or a contemporary furniture surface (5-20 years), evidenced by the consistent finish and lack of heavy deep patina or historic tool marks.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well and takes finishes exceptionally. It can have a slight blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Contains juglone which can be an allergen for some.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the depth of the grain. High-gloss or satin lacquers are also common for furniture.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pore structure, color tone, and grain flow are highly characteristic of Juglans nigra, though a dark-stained species like Cherry or Alder can sometimes mimic this appearance under specific lighting.