Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with semi-porous texture; visible cathedral figure on the flat-sawn drawer face and door panel; contains some small swirls and knots (pith/eye).
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to deep chocolate brown with dark streaks. In this mid-century or vintage sample, it shows a warm amber/golden patina due to age and finish. Sapwood is typically pale yellow-gray but has been stained to match or excluded in this construction. It tends to lighten (amber out) with long-term UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneers, interior trim, and turned items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for select 4/4 lumber; higher for wide slabs or figured stock.
Wood Age Estimate
40 to 60 years. The oxidation of the finish, specific style of the hardware, and the character of the deep patina suggest furniture manufactured in the mid-to-late 20th century (c. 1960s-1970s).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable and widely available through FSC certified sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well; takes stains and finishes beautifully. Can be prone to tear-out on pieces with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when worked. Dust can be a sensitizer. Known for its rich color and excellent dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed) highlight depth and chatoyance. Lacquer or polyurethane is common for furniture protection. Shellac works well for a vintage restorative look.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous grain structure, classic cathedral figure on the flat-sawn panels, and the specific dark-to-medium brown patina is characteristic of American Black Walnut utilized in cabinetry.