Black Walnut (Curly)
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with prominent curl/wavy figure (fiddleback) across the face of the board. The texture is medium and the grain is open.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a lighter pale brown to a dark chocolate brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow-gray to nearly white. Over time, it tends to develop a golden-brown patina with exposure to UB light.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to very durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior paneling, veneer, turned objects, and specialty craft items.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $22.00 per board foot (Premium for figure)
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears freshly milled or recently planed given the crisp edges and lack of deep oxidation; likely less than 5 years since harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the curly figure may cause some tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, sweet odor when being worked. Known for its excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oils (Linseed or Tung) or oil-based varnishes are recommended to enhance the chatoyance of the curly figure. Clear lacquer or polyurethane are also effective for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of chocolate-brown coloration, semi-circular porous structure visible on the face, and the specific 'fiddleback' wavy figure is characteristic of figured Black Walnut.