Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy. Visible cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces of the bowl. Medium texture with moderate sized pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it gains a warm golden-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to heartwood decay; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, high-end woodturned bowls, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The finished product appears to be modern (1–10 years old), but the richness of the dark oxidation suggests the timber was well-seasoned or steamed.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally sustainable.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes very well, though it can occasionally have tearout in areas of figured grain.
Notable Features
Faint, mild, spicy scent when worked. Known for its shock resistance and dimensional stability once seasoned.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for kitchenware; tung oil or polyurethane for furniture to enhance deep chocolate tones.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic chocolate-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure consistent with Juglans, and common use in domestic woodenware support this identification.