Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight into subtle cathedral; tight, fine texture with open pores visible in long grain; occasional wavy figure on edges
Color Description
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with grayish undertones; sapwood (if visible) is pale yellowish-gray; tends to lighten/warm slightly with age and light exposure
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable (Heartwood only); resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (powder post beetles)
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior millwork, gunstocks, veneer, flooring, and small specialty turned objects
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and Eastern Canada
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for select/better air-dried or kiln-dried stock
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; likely 20-40 years old based on grain selection and surface patina on the chair frame
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in its native range
Workability
Excellent; works very well with hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes well; occasionally exhibits tearout on figured sections
Notable Features
Faint, distinct spicy odor when worked; contains juglone (mild toxicant); excellent dimensional stability and shock resistance
Finish Recommendations
Wiping oils (Linseed or Tung), Danish Oil, or satin Lacquer to highlight the natural dark tones without making it look plastic
Identification Confidence
High; the color tone, pore structure, and grain transition on the horizontal rail are classic indicators of North American Black Walnut used in furniture.