Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be irregular or wavy; medium texture with moderate sized pores; often displays cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards and can show 'crotch' figure or 'curly' ripples.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Often develops a rich patina and lightens slightly over time with UV exposure.
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, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on grade, width, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/recently processed (~1-5 years) based on visible surface texture and lack of deep oxidation or mechanical wear.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and considered sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and stains well, though it can have some tearout if the grain is irregular. It holds screws and nails well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy odor when being worked. Known for excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) which enhance the depth of color. Polyurethane, lacquer, and wax are also common.
Identification Confidence
Medium-Low; the image provided is an extreme close-up shown through a digital screen (likely an endoscope/borescope), which creates moire patterns and distorts natural grain. The dark brown hue and visible pore structure are consistent with Walnut, but the digital artifacts impede a definitive visual confirmation.