Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with occasional wavy or curly figure; the sample shows visible bands of latewood and earlywood characteristic of semi-ring porous/diffuse-porous hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a deep chocolate brown to a dark coffee color; sapwood is pale creamy white. The wood exhibits a medium luster and may lighten or develop a golden-brown patina with long-term UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern rough-cut lumber with high levels of oxidation on the surface and significant saw-mark textures, suggesting it has been air-drying for several years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes well, glues easily, and takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. High tannin content can cause blue-black staining if in contact with iron and water.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; highly prized for dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance depth, or lacquer for a traditional furniture finish. Water-based finishes may require a sealer to prevent tannin bleed.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate hue combined with the rough bark texture and cellular pore structure visible on the end grain is diagnostic of Juglans nigra.