Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn (plain-sawn) grain with distinctive cathedral patterns and occasional small knots. Displays a generally straight but occasionally wavy or irregular grain characteristic of veneer sheets.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown with a warm, slightly reddish undertone in this sample. Sapwood is naturally creamy white but not prominently visible here. Walnut typically lightens and yellows slightly over time when exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood decay resistance; moderately resistant to rot and insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior paneling, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $15.00 per board foot for solid lumber; veneer varies by sheet size.
Wood Age Estimate
20–40 years based on the furniture style (likely late 20th century) and the patina of the existing finish/stain.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally sustainable and widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally produce tear-out if the grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, pleasant scent when working; known for its excellent dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio. Mildly allergenic dust for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance depth; clear polyurethane or lacquer for protection. A slight honey-toned stain is often used to unify heartwood and sapwood colors.
Identification Confidence
High; the pore structure, cathedral grain patterns, and typical coloration observed in this book-matched veneer table top are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.