Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular with visible open pores; flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns and dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light to dark chocolate brown with occasional purplish or reddish undertones. Sapwood is pale yellow-gray. The wood darkens and becomes more 'amber' or golden brown with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, musical instruments (mostly stringed), and specialty wood turnings.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America (United States and Canada).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness, width, and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the depth of the patina and the wear on the finish seen in the image, the piece appears to be between 20 to 50 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can occasionally produce tearout in sections with irregular grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild and pleasant scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an allergen for some; famous for its excellent stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed) highlight the chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer for high-use surfaces. Penetrating oils are preferred for a classic look.
Identification Confidence
High; the semi-ring-porous structure, dark chocolate coloration, and specific pore distribution are characteristic of domestic Black Walnut in a finished state.