Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and figured; shows burl-like swirls and crotch figure at the knot transition. Naturally straight-grained in the branch secton but wavy and interlocked around the bulbous growth.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with some lighter tan streaks. Shows a matte luster in its raw state; tends to develop a rich, honey-like patina with age but can lighten if exposed to heavy UV.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, veneer, turned bowls, and small decorative carvings or curios.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity; burl sections command higher prices.
Wood Age Estimate
The branch segment appears to be 10-15 years old based on the growth ring density visible on the top cut; the piece itself shows moderate oxidation suggesting it was cut 2-5 years ago.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, though the figured sections in this specific sample may be prone to tearout during surfacing.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be an irritant. Features high shock resistance and dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or wiping varnish to enhance the depth of the figure. Shellac is also an excellent choice for this size of decorative piece.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate brown color, characteristic open pores visible in the end grain, and the specific way the figure swirls around the knot are diagnostic of Juglans nigra.