Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be irregular; features a medium-to-coarse texture with circular annual growth rings visible in this end-grain cross-section.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. It tends to lighten and take on a golden hue with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (especially sapwood).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the growth ring count and oxidation of the cut surface, this specimen appears to be from a branch or small trunk approximately 15-20 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes well, though the dust can be an irritant to some woodworkers.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be toxic to certain plants and horses. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Satin or semi-gloss polyurethane, lacquer, or natural oils like linseed or tung oil to enhance the deep chocolate tones.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the dark heartwood color, contrasting sapwood perimeter, bark texture, and pore structure are characteristic of Juglans nigra.