Black Walnut (sapwood and heartwood mix)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with visible cathedral figure and slight wavy figure; contains small knots and pith-area irregularities typical of a turning blank or scrap piece.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium to dark brown with a purplish cast, while sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample shows a high-contrast transition between the two, which will likely darken and mellow to a golden brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot/decay; sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, veneer, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot, depending on figure and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/contemporary (likely kiln-dried within the last 5-10 years) based on the crisp edges and lack of deep surface oxidation/patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands very smoothly. The only challenge is potential tearout in areas of irregular grain; glues and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, nut-like scent when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or polyurethane are excellent for enhancing the natural color contrast. A clear topcoat is recommended to preserve the heartwood/sapwood distinction.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the color transition from chocolate heartwood to creamy sapwood, combined with the specific pore structure visible in the grain, is highly characteristic of North American Black Walnut.