Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight but can be irregular; featured here with a fine, uniform texture and subtle cathedral patterns visible under a high-gloss finish.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a deep, chocolate brown to a dark coffee color; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a golden brown with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Likely 30-60 years old based on the deep oxidation and style of the hardware/finish present in the image.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available from managed forests.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes, turns, and carves excellently, though surfaces can occasionally tear if grain is figured. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when being worked; high tannin content; known for its exceptional stability and dimensional accuracy.
Finish Recommendations
The sample currently shows a high-gloss lacquer or polyurethane. For restoration, oil-based varnishes or clear lacquers are recommended to enhance the natural dark tones and depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium; identifying wood through a high-gloss, dark-stained finish is challenging, but the grain structure, pore distribution, and specific color seen in the less-glared areas are highly characteristic of North American Black Walnut used in traditional furniture.