Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; flat-sawn displaying cathedral patterns and knots with some swirling grain near the limbs
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior paneling, gunstocks, veneer, flooring, and small specialty turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Ontario, Canada
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $18.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and thickness
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be part of a finished piece of furniture or flooring, likely 20-50 years old based on the patina, mechanical wear, and the presence of decorative dowel/peg plugs.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, and finishes excellently. It has a moderate blunting effect on cutters; it turns well on a lathe.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance. Contains juglone which can be a mild allergen to some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to enhance the natural dark tones, or clear polyurethane for durability. Shellac and Lacquer also work exceptionally well.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep chocolate coffee tones, characteristic pore structure, and the contrast between heartwood and the yellowish sapwood streak are hallmark signs of Juglans nigra.