Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight but exhibiting beautiful curly or wavy figure (fiddleback) across the width. Features a medium texture with open pores and semi-ring-porous growth rings showing distinct cathedral patterns when flat-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a light pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, the wood tends to lighten and take on a golden-brown hue, unlike many other woods which darken.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (e.g., powderpost beetles). Great dimensional stability once seasoned.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for figured/high-grade 4/4 lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
5-10 years since milling; the surface shows oxidation and typical shop wear (scratches and marks) suggesting it is seasoned stock but not antique material.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable, though high demand keeps prices elevated.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, though figured areas may require light cuts to avoid tearout. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, mild, and pleasant nutty odor when being worked. Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and shock resistance. The visible wavy figure in this sample is highly prized for decorative applications.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with penetrating oils (Danish oil or Tung oil) to enhance the figure and depth, or a clear lacquer/polyurethane for durability. A sanding sealer is recommended due to the open grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown heartwood, characteristic semi-ring-porous structure, and the specific style of curly/fiddleback figure is classic for American Black Walnut.