Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with occasional wavy patterns and visible pore structure; the carving reveals some figure near the knots and transitions.
Color Description
Rich chocolate brown heartwood with dark streaks; the sapwood is pale yellowish-gray. It has a high natural luster and often develops a lighter golden patina over decades of light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to decay and moderately resistant to insect attack, though sapwood is susceptible.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, wood carvings, gunstocks, veneers, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (Central and Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern carving (likely 5-20 years old) based on the crispness of tool marks and the relatively fresh oxidation of the finish.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and frequently FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well, though irregular grain can occasionally cause tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen; very stable with low shrinkage after seasoning.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed), shellac, or clear lacquer to enhance the depth of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown hue, large semi-ring-porous grain visible in the carved grooves, and typical figure in the polished areas are classic indicators of Juglans nigra.