Black Walnut (likely with a warm stain or oxidative patina)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy grain with strong cathedral patterns and cross-grain figuring; notable butterfly joinery/Dutchmen patches to stabilize checks and cracks.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically dark brown with purplish hues, though this sample shows significant warming to a medium reddish-brown due to age and finish; sapwood is pale yellowish-gray.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable and very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot for wide-slab character grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 40-70 years based on deep oxidative darkening, surface wear, and the style of breadboard ends and butterfly patches.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools; planes and glues well, though figured areas may be prone to tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint spicy odor when worked; high luster and chatoyance; relatively light weight for a hardwood while maintaining high strength.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oil or shellac to highlight depth; a semi-gloss polyurethane is recommended for protecting dining surfaces like this tabletop.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pore structure, breadboard construction, and grain figure are characteristic of North American Black Walnut, though the finish adds a warmth more common in cherry or stained oak.