Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight but can be irregular; shows cathedral patterns on flat-sawn surfaces and occasional curl or burl figure. The sample appears to have a slightly wavy or irregular grain near the knots/dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light gray-brown to a chocolate/dark brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. This sample displays the classic contrast between the creamy sapwood and the dark, streaky heartwood. Color tends to lighten and become more golden-brown upon long-term light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance; susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty small wood items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Southern Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width, thickness, and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or kiln-dried within the last 5-10 years, showing minimal oxidative darkening or tool-marking patina consistent with reclaimed timber.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools. It planes well, glues, and finishes excellently. It has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked. The wood can occasionally have tearout if the grain is figured.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, spicy odor when being worked. It is prized for its shock resistance and dimensional stability. Contains juglone, which can be an allergen for some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for penetrating oils (tung or linseed) to highlight natural figure, or wipe-on polyurethanes. It takes stains and glazes well, though it is usually left in its natural color.
Identification Confidence
High; the color transition from the light sapwood to the brownish-purple streaked heartwood is a definitive diagnostic feature of Juglans nigra.