Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Faintly irregular to wavy with patches of crotch or burl figure; generally presents a medium, somewhat open-pored texture with occasional cathedral patterns when flat-sawn.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood, sometimes with a greyish or reddish cast. The sapwood is a pale yellowish-gray. This sample shows typical oxidation and darkening which occurs with light exposure, though walnut actually tends to lighten/yellow slightly over long periods of UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (especially the sapwood).
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wooden items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
5-15 years based on the surface oxidation and the rough-milled patina visible on the faces.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available within its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and sands well, holds glue and nails effectively, but can occasionally exhibit tearout in figured areas.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when being worked; known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or wiping varnishes (like Danish oil) to highlight grain; clear lacquer or polyurethane provide excellent protection and depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the color, figure, and growth ring patterns are strongly characteristic of Juglans nigra, though a positive distinction from Claro Walnut without location data is difficult.