Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or curly. The sample shows a mixed cathedral/flat-sawn profile with some chatoyancy and grain swirl typical of furniture-grade walnut.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to lighten slightly to a more golden brown with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Current stock (estimated 1-5 years post-processing based on surface oxidation and typical kiln-dried appearance).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally managed sustainably.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, turns, and sands well. It holds glue and finishes beautifully, though the dust is a known sensitizer and can be toxic to some animals.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Known for its high dimensional stability and shock resistance. Juglone content in the tree can inhibit growth of other plants.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (like Tung or Linseed oil) enhance the deep color; clear polyurethane or lacquer for durability. Shellac is also an excellent traditional sealer.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the chocolate brown hue, open-pore structure visible in the grain, and characteristic marbling are hallmark indicators of Juglans nigra, though lighting conditions in the image may slightly obscure pore detail.