Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
The grain is typically straight but can be irregular, showing a cathedral pattern on flat-sawn surfaces. This sample exhibits some wavy figure and faint curls near the live edge/burl area.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. This sample shows deep oxidation and possible staining/finish that darkens the natural grain. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray to nearly white.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width and figure; live-edge slabs often command a premium.
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears to be from a mature tree likely 50-80 years old, while the processed slab shows signs of recent surfacing over older, oxidized live-edge textures.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, though figured areas may involve some tearout. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant to some.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil to highlight the natural chatoyance, or a semi-gloss polyurethane for durability. Darker waxes can enhance the deep brown tones.
Identification Confidence
High. The chocolate-brown color, characteristic wide pore structure visible in the face grain, and the specific dark, craggy texture of the live-edge bark remnant are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.