Black Walnut (with Burl veneer)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Complex burl figure in the decorative band characterized by swirling, irregular grain and clusters of small knots; the main panels show straight to slightly wavy flat-sawn grain typical of Walnut veneer.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich dark brown with highlights of yellowish tan in the burl sections. The finish has ambered with age, giving it a honey-toned luster. Naturally darkens slightly but can lighten if exposed to long-term UV rays.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Highly durable regarding decay resistance, though the veneer form shown here is susceptible to moisture damage and peeling over time.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer inlay, gunstocks, and interior paneling. Popular in mid-century and Art Deco furniture styles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot for solid lumber; burl veneer is significantly higher per square foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Approximately 70-90 years (consistent with mid-20th century Art Deco or Waterfall style furniture construction).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable within the US.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; however, burl grain is prone to tearout and requires extremely sharp blades. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant spicy scent when worked. Walnut is known for its excellent dimensional stability and medium weight. The burl specifically occurs from abnormal growth on the tree.
Finish Recommendations
Traditionally finished with shellac or lacquer. For restoration, a high-quality furniture wax or spray-on lacquer is recommended to preserve the chatoyance of the burl.
Identification Confidence
High. The grain structure of the main panels combined with the specific 'waterfall' style burl banding is a classic hallmark of American Black Walnut furniture from the 1930s-40s.