Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with occasional wavy or curly figure and deep cathedral patterns in flat-sawn boards
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light grey-brown to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Wood tends to lighten over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though 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 width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be determined from the provided screen capture of a digital image.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and glues well, and takes finishes exceptionally well, though it has a distinct odor when being worked.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be a mild irritant; famous for its rich color and machining properties.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or tung oil to enhance natural color; polyurethane for durability; shellac for a classic look. No staining is usually required.
Identification Confidence
Low - The provided image is a photograph of a computer screen showing a blurred image, making a definitive identification of grain structure impossible. The assessment is based on the typical dark brown color associated with Walnut furniture.