Black Walnut
Juglans nigra • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with some cathedral arching; diffuse-porous structure with a medium texture and natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich dark brown to chocolate brown; sapwood is pale yellow-gray to nearly white. The wood often develops a lighter, golden-brown patina with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to heartwood decay, though susceptible to insect attack (powerpost beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, gunstocks, interior trim, flooring, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern United States and parts of Southern Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width, grade, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The visible surface oxidation and wear suggest the sample is likely 20-40 years old, potentially part of vintage furniture or architectural salvage.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable in North America.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes extremely well. It can occasionally produce tearout if grain is irregular.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked; contains juglone which can be an irritant; prized for its dimensional stability and strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or polyurethane to enhance the deep brown tones; shellac is also an excellent traditional sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic chocolate-brown color, pore structure, and grain pattern are definitive indicators of North American Black Walnut.