Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular. Shows a fairly fine, uniform texture with distinct growth rings in flat-sawn sections.
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. Often lightens over time if exposed to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned items, and small wooden specialty objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Unable to determine exact age from surface photo, but the finished surface suggests modern furniture construction, likely 5-20 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Generally easy to work provided tools are sharp. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though it is usually left in its natural color. It has excellent dimensional stability.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Known for its rich color and excellent shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil, linseed oil) or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the depth of the grain. Lacquer is also common for furniture.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The dark, chocolate-brown color typical of heartwood combined with the tight, diffuse-porous grain structure and visible growth rings are characteristic of walnut.