Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; featured here with a moderately open, coarse texture and a faint cathedral pattern typical of flat-sawn lumber.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a golden brown to deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows deep oxidation and a rich, dark patina typical of aged walnut.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20-50 years; the deep oxidation of the heartwood and the visible wear on the edges suggest a reclaimed or vintage piece of furniture/lumber.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified as 'Least Concern' by the IUCN; widely available through sustainable harvesting and FSC channels.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) are highly recommended to enhance the natural depth and color. Clear polyurethane or lacquer also works well to protect the wood.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood color, semi-ring-porous grain structure, and the characteristic transition to lighter sapwood on the edges is diagnostic of Juglans nigra.