Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a cathedral figure visible in the lower section; some irregular texture due to the rough-sawn surface and presence of a knot/cluster in the bottom left corner.
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with a grayish-brown cast common in air-dried or weathered walnut. Shows low luster due to the rough surface; typically darkens or develops a golden patina with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Durable/Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, and specialized wooden objects like bowls or handles.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for select grade, though rough-sawn local stock may vary.
Wood Age Estimate
The board shows signs of being aged timber (10-30 years) or reclaimed, indicated by the 'greyed out' oxidation of the fibers and circular saw marks suggesting a mill-cut origin rather than modern high-speed surfacing.
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. Responds well to steaming for bending. Can experience minor tearout in figured areas, but generally planes and glues very well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. Contains juglone, which can be a mild irritant. Known for its exceptional dimensional stability after drying.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) to enhance the deep brown tones, or clear polyurethane for durability. Dark walnut stains are rarely needed as the natural color is highly prized.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; Identified by the characteristic chocolate-brown color, semi-ring-porous grain structure consistent with Juglans, and typical North American mill marks. Surface oxidation makes a 100% confirmation difficult without a fresh cut.