Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and relatively open grain with some cathedral figure visible near the knot; texture is medium but uniform.
Color Description
Heartwood is a creamy tan to light chocolate brown with faint purplish streaks; sapwood (visible on the edges) is pale yellow-gray. It will lighten and warm to a golden brown with age.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though resistant but not immune to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and small specialty wood objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber, though the value of this small branch fragment is negligible.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut or split (under 1 year), evidenced by the lack of oxidation, bright sapwood, and raw/ragged edge fibers.
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; glues, stains, and finishes very well. Can sometimes cause slight tearout near knots.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability and high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance the depth; polyurethane for durability; or shellac for a traditional look.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the bark texture combined with the characteristic heartwood color and pith/knot structure strongly suggests Juglans nigra.