Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; showing a flatsawn/cathedral pattern in this specific sample with visible growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with darker brown streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. It tends to lighten and become more golden over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern with low oxidation, likely harvested within the last 10-20 years based on the crispness of the grain and dark color.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, and it takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, though it can have some tearout if the grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet scent when being worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen to some; known for its excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oil (boiled linseed or tung oil) or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the deep colors. Shellac is also an excellent traditional choice.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the dark chocolate color and characteristic semi-ring-porous grain structure are typical of North American Walnut, though the photo's blurriness prevents a definitive cell-structure analysis.