Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with some cathedral figure visible. Texture is medium with a naturally lustrous surface. Typical flat-sawn appearance common in furniture and cabinetry panels.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown. The sample shows typical oxidation with age, leaning toward a warmer, yellowish-brown. Sapwood (not highly visible) is usually creamy white but often steamed to match the heartwood.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years. The oxidation of the dark pigments into a lighter, honey-brown patina and the fine surface wear suggest a mid-to-late 20th-century vintage.
Sustainability Status
Abundant; not CITES listed. Classified by IUCN as 'Least Concern'. Widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Excellent. Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and sands very smoothly. Glues and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally produce tearout on figured sections.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content. Known for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or clear grain-fillers and lacquer are recommended to enhance the deep chocolate tones and natural chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pore structure, color shift from oxidation, and specific cathedral grain figure is characteristic of Juglans nigra.