Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight but transitioning to wavy and irregular near the knot; shows typical cathedral patterning and subtle 'ghosting' figure common in steamed or weathered flat-sawn walnut.
Color Description
Heartwood is light to medium grey-brown with a muted appearance likely due to weathering or UV exposure. Sapwood is yellowish-grey. Walnut typically darkens to a chocolate brown when fresh but bleaches to a golden-grey over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding heartwood rot; however, sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior paneling, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Ontario, Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $10.00 to $16.00 per board foot depending on width and grain pattern.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be air-dried or reclaimed stock with 5-10 years of oxidation and surface weathering, evidenced by the silvery-grey patina and surface checking.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and classified by IUCN as a species of least concern; widely available from FSC-certified sources.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools; however, wavy grain near knots can cause tearout. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains moderate levels of tannins and may cause allergic reactions (skin/respiratory irritation) in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed) are recommended to bring back the depth and luster lost to weathering; a film-building polyurethane or lacquer can provide durability for furniture use.
Identification Confidence
High; the pore structure, color transition between heartwood/sapwood, and the specific behavior of the 'check' marks and grain flow are diagnostic of Juglans nigra.