Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood / Reclaimed
Grain Pattern
Straight, with cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces and occasional wavy or irregular figure near knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically dark brown with chocolate tones and purplish streaks; sapwood is pale yellow-gray. The reclaimed boards show significant silver-grey weathering (patina) due to UV exposure, though the freshly cut board in the center displays the natural tan-to-brown heartwood.
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, veneer, interior trim, flooring, and gunstocks.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot (standard lumber); higher for high-character reclaimed stock.
Wood Age Estimate
20-50 years since harvest (Reclaimed). Based on the deep silver-gray oxidation and circular saw marks visible on some boards, these appear to be salvaged from an old barn or structure.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN. Widely available and considered sustainable.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with hand and machine tools; glues, screws, and nails well. It has good dimensional stability and planes to a smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone which can be an allergen for some. Known for high shock resistance and excellent finishing properties.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear polyurethane to highlight the chocolate tones. Reclaimed pieces may require light sanding to remove surface dirt while preserving the gray patina if desired.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The dark heartwood visible on the central board, coupled with the characteristic weathering patterns and growth ring spacing, strongly indicates Black Walnut, a common material for North American reclaimed barn siding.