Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn cathedral patterns, generally straight but with some wavy and figured areas; medium-coarse texture with open pores visible in the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to a deep chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. This sample shows typical darkening/patina but some light-induced bleaching in the center. Luster is medium.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable and very resistant to heartwood decay; susceptible to insect attack (Powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, flooring, gunstocks, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for Select/Better grade lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
40 to 60 years based on the oxidation of the finish, localized finish wear-through, and water/solvent staining typical of mid-century vintage furniture.
Sustainability Status
Stable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and FSC certified sources exist.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well. Low silica content prevents excessive tool dulling, though it can produce a distinct odor during cutting.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can cause skin irritation in some individuals and serves as a natural herbicide in live trees.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance natural color, or a semi-gloss lacquer/polyurethane for protection. Sanding through old finish is required to address the staining shown.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the deep chocolate brown coloring, distinctive semi-ring porous cathedral grain, and specific wear patterns are characteristic of American Black Walnut furniture.